THE Tall Ships event at Blyth was a wonderful spectacle which, it has been estimated, generated £13.6m in revenues locally.

It is barely three weeks since the sailing ships departed, the euphoria abated and the photo opportunities for our politicos need to be sought elsewhere.

The reality of Northumberland County Council's policies towards the tourism sector, away from its Labour-controlled political heartland, is laid bare.

Just in time for the influx of additional tourists who will be visiting The Sill Project and the Hadrian's Cavalry events next summer, the council refuse tip at Haltwhistle (amongst other outlying locations) will only be open four days a week from next month.

This will only increase fly-tipping thus desecrating the beautiful landscape which is the county's unique asset.

Just how is the service sector, such as the builders, tradesmen, landscape gardeners and accommodation providers (like ourselves) supposed to function with such diminished resources?

The financial imperative? To save £134,000 a year out of revenue and yet the council can find £1.8m from capital to renovate Hexham House for its own commercial ends.

Double-speak and commercial illiteracy are two of the printable terms which spring to mind.

Damian Rudge,

Thorngrafton