ROMSEY has been voted as the first coach-friendly town in Hampshire.

Following work with Test Valley Borough Council and Romsey Future's Tourism Group, the town has been given the status by a national transport group.

Romsey has been accredited with the Confederation of Passenger Transport's (CPT) coach friendly town status.

Back in 2016, the borough council worked together with the CPT to install new traffic signs guiding drivers into Romsey to a new drop-off point in the heart of the town centre at Broadwater Road, and onwards to the parking bays at Romsey Rapids.

The council's economic development and tourism portfolio holder, cllr David Drew, said it was a 'terrific accolade'.

He said: "I am absolutely delighted that Romsey has been awarded this status, especially as it is the first in Hampshire. It is a terrific accolade for the tourism group within Romsey Future and is yet another example of partnership working both within the council and with the other industry stakeholders.

"The council is keen to start working with the CPT to encourage more coach visits to Romsey. Last year Romsey's Visitor Information Centre staff welcomed 28 coaches and this number is set to rise.

"If the tour companies let us know in advance, the VIC staff will meet and greet visitors with local information leaflets, including the Test Valley visitor guide, and give them a special Romsey welcome!"

The VIC caters for 55,000 visitors each year, and supports tourism businesses across Test Valley.

The centre also won the Gold Award for best visitor information centre in southern England.

CPT regional manager, Karen Tiley, said: "CPT is delighted to present Romsey with CPT's 'coach friendly towns, cities and villages' status.

"The town has demonstrated a clear understanding of the requirements of coaches and their passengers, while also providing first-class facilities, access and information for drivers.

"The recently introduced meet and greet scheme, in addition to the comprehensive signage and centrally located set-down and pick-up points, provides visitors with a true coach friendly welcome to the town."