VISITORS to Marlow Tourist Information Centre have risen by a staggering 36,000 in the past two years.

The centre's income has also soared since it moved from the entrance to Court Garden Leisure Centre, in Pound Lane, to Marlow High Street in January last year.

The centre's income grew from £8,290 in the financial year 1995/96 to more than £22,000 in the year 1997/98.

Roger Bowen, the council's tourism and cultural services manager, told a meeting of Wycombe District Council's housing and economic development panel on Monday the Marlow centre had been a success story since it relocated and opened all year round.

Afterwards he said: "We have been overwhelmed by the success of Marlow Tourist Information Centre since it moved into the High Street.

"While the old centre was always very popular with visitors to the town, the new location has proved immensely attractive to local people looking for details of our district's attractions and coach excursions."

The figures for Marlow contrast with a fall in the number of visitors to High Wycombe's Tourist Information Centre, which was moved from its prime location in the Corn Market to a more secluded spot in Pauls Row in June 1996.

Lance Slater, of Marlow Chamber of Trade and Commerce, said: "Probably, everybody who comes to Marlow does, at some stage, during their hour or day here, stroll down the High Street."

He told the Marlow Free Press: "I congratulate Wycombe District Council and Marlow Town Council, who have increased their public relations in Marlow and the facilities available in the tourist office."

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