'Showpiece would be rally good for tourism'

A NEW stage for rally drivers should be made in Swansea, according to the city's tourism chief.

The Wales Rally GB held its Saturday night family-themed event at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff last weekend, featuring stunt driving, acrobatics and pyrotechnics.

But next year the event will need a different venue because it clashes with the autumn rugby international matches.

And a former chairman of Tourism Swansea says the clash of dates should provide an opportunity for Swansea to stage the event instead.

Geoff Haden, a long-time rally fan, said: "Swansea is now the natural focus for an event which takes place all over South West and Mid Wales, so with the Millennium Stadium out of the equation, the time is ripe for the city to host the showcase stage for the general public.

"Already, the Swansea Service Centre in SA1 is drawing the crowds, with the opportunity to see the cars and drivers at close range, as well as a range of trade stalls and entertainment, so the natural progression is a stage in the city."

A possible site would be the urban forest in the lower Swansea Valley, near Pluck Lake, suggested Mr Haden, who said a high-speed run to the top of Kilvey Hill and back would draw crowds who would not normally attend a rally.

"I know from the teams who stay with us each year that they hate the long drive to Cardiff just for a one-minute belt around an artificial, indoor course," he added.

However, part of next year's event will clash with school half-term, as will the 2011 Urdd Eisteddfod, and Mr Haden had a word of warning for planners.

"Half terms are a busy time for visitors coming to the area, and bringing in these big events with movable dates could affect the long-term viability of the region as a destination for regular visitors," he said.

"The Urdd Eisteddfod in 2011 takes place over the May half term week, which is traditionally a very busy week in Swansea Bay.

"It is a pity that the traders were not consulted, perhaps then the event could have been run over, say, three weekends in June, which is a quieter period."