TOURISM has proved to be a divisive issue in the town.

On the one side, council leaders will say they are investing more in putting Colchester on the map than any previous administration.

On the other, critics will say: “Where is the evidence?”

There is no doubt Colchester has much to offer tourists - but the questions is: do they know it?

Would a family planning a getaway to East Anglia know about our picturesque Castle Park and our Norman Castle?

Would they know about the town’s Roman Wall?

Would they know about Firstsite - for all its well-documented issues, things are looking up.

Flatford Mill, as well as other parts of Constable Country, and Colchester Zoo would be on their radar because of their national acclaim, but it’s fair to say their success is not linked with Colchester Council’s efforts.

There will be some who will be sceptical over Will Quince’s tourism document.

Some of the ideas do appear to be more aspirational than realistic - and to be fair Mr Quince has acknowledged as much - but perhaps what we need is an open debate and conversation?

It can surely only be a good thing that the issue is in the public sphere. The more people who have their say, the more the issue will grow.

There is nothing wrong with everyone having a view on how their town is promoted. Catching up with the Yorks, Baths and Oxfords of the country, as Tim Young acknowledges, is no quick job but we must start somewhere.