SORTING out the future of Colchester’s Roman circus could boost tourism in the town even further, as figures show how much it is worth to the local economy.

Tourist attractions in the borough brought a record £200million into the town’s coffers in 2008.

That year, more than 4.4 million visits were made to attractions such as Colchester Castle Museum, Layer Marney Tower, Beth Chatto’s Gardens and Colchester Zoo.

A new report reveals the value of tourism to Colchester, and the fact 6,000 local people are now employed in tourism.

Nigel Myers, Colchester Council’s enterprise and tourism manager, told a council policy review and development panel meeting the borough compared favourably with destinations such as York and Bath.

He added: “The value of tourism to the local economy is immense.”

The meeting was also warned such benefits would not continue to grow unless projects such as the Visual Arts Facility art galley and the Roman circus were secured.

Work is hoped to start on the first phase of the new Cultural Quarter development, of St Botolph’s Street this summer, but the nearby Vineyard Gate shopping centre is not expected to be built until the economy picks up.

Tory councillor Mike Hardy said these and other schemes, such as improving the town’s main junction from the A12 were not due to see the light of day until late next year at least.

Claire Taylor, visitor services officer, replied: “We will see a levelling off.

“I think we’ve seen it slightly already. I think there will be a quiet period, and hopefully, we will build from there.

“Obviously, we’ll work hard to keep people interested.”

Despite such hopes, the present financial year has seen nearly £40,000 in cuts to the council’s tourism budget.

The Visitor Information Centre in Queen Street is opening for fewer hours, while staff have dropped plans to attend the Best of Britain and Ireland travel trade forum in March.

Councillor responsible for tourism Nigel Offen said he did not envisage similar cuts in the forthcoming financial year and predicted a positive future for tourism in Colchester.

He said: “I think it’s going to increase as the recession recedes, albeit slowly.”