Hello and welcome to my first attempt at a ColchesterGuide Blog!
So did you go or watch it on TV? The ITV4 Tour Series came to Colchester on Thursday June 18th and caused quite a debate - the main reason being the decision to close off the town centre to traffic from 9.30am until midnight for the day. But was it worth it?
My own personal experience was that on the morning of the race (admittedly before 9.30am) I noticed virtually no difference and in the evening traffic conditions were quite busy but no worse that some evenings I've encountered on a 'normal' weekday. However I do know of some people who were greatly inconvenienced by the decision and furious at the decision to close off the town for the TV cameras and some of the town centre businesses actually closed early or for the whole day due to anticipated disruption.
So overall what do you all think - was the extra profile it gave Colchester worth the pain? Did the businesses that gained from the event being held outweigh those that lost out?
My own personal view is that events like this can only bring benefit to a town like Colchester which is looking to enhance it's reputation as a tourist centre. Yes there was some pain involved but looking longer term (and especially bearing in mind that the Olympics comes to Britain in 2012) surely the benefits the town gains by hosting a high-profile event such as this can only be a good thing. If there is one town naturally suited to a continental cafe culture with shops and restaurants open into the late evening then surely it is Colchester and we should be doing all that we possibly can to ensure we promote it as such.
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