Will Rugby make the most of its heritage?

At long last it seems that Rugby Borough Council may be doing the right thing to build on our proud heritage.

The eighth Rugby World Cup will be hosted by England with 20 nations competing in a knock-out competition to be staged at thirteen different grounds [one of them in Wales!]. The competition will run from 18 September to 31 October 2015. The Rugby World Cup is reputed to be the world's third largest sporting event.

The borough council announced its plans to celebrate the World Cup at a ticket-only event. The Rugby Liberal Democrat website team was not invited but we understand that Rugby's plans centre on a giant screen and marque to be erected in the old market square next to the John Barfoot carpark as part of a "fanzone". The fanzone will have a temporary licence for the sale of alcohol. We believe that during the world cup the borough council want to encourage local groups to stage their own performances in the marque when it is not being used to show live matches.

We understand that for the duration of the world cup the borough council are planning to improve the poor links between the town's railway station and the town centre by running a special coach service using vintage coaches.

Rugby Borough Council now faces two tests. First will its event management of the world cup match expectations? Secondly can it build on the world cup to make Rugby a successful destination for tourists seeking the town's heritage?

This is the second in a series of articles Rugby Liberal Democrats website is running on the future of Rugby Town Centre this week.