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Rotherham for romance? No, thanks!
With Valentine’s Day fast approaching, travel agencies cannot be blamed for trying to take advantage of the romance in all of us.
But one Thomson Holidays shop in the north of England has been ridiculed for trying to sell a romantic break – in the town of Rotherham.
The Times, reporting the story, states that Rotherham’s website promises “attractive pedestrianised areas” and “some of the cheapest car parking in Yorkshire”.
But, despite the town’s obvious attractions for those wanting to a romantic break – and a bargain price of £39 including four-star accommodation – no bookings were taken and the offer has now been withdrawn.
A spokesman for the company, blaming adverse publicity on a local radio station, is quoted as saying: “People heard about it on the radio and were laughing at it, so, to be honest, we thought we would be better to pull it.”
Rotherham’s economic development spokesman reportedly said: “People need to get past the stereotype of smoke stacks, steel and coal. This is actually one of the cleanest industrial areas you will find anywhere in the world.
“Rotherham has many hidden gems and I feel sorry that people in Hull have not had the chance to come here.”
Report by Tim Gillett, News From Abroad Ltd
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