VISITORS to Henley are being encouraged to spend more time in the town centre.

South Oxfordshire District Council and Henley Town Council have created three new leaflets to show tourists that there is more to be enjoyed than just the river.

New maps, information displays and interpretation boards costing £6,000 can now be seen around the town.

Three new leaflets, 10 Brilliant Things to do in Henley, Henley-on-Thames — Undeniably Unique and The Henley Trail are available from the town hall and online. They feature attractions such as George Harrison’s former home at Friar Park, Dusty Springfield’s memorial and picnic spot Mill Meadows. They also highlight pubs, restaurants and shops.

The wildlife board at Mill Meadows has been updated and two interpretation panels have been installed at Riverside and New Street, which explain about wildlife, the origins of the town and the royal regatta.

Councillor Judith Nimmo-Smith, the district council’s cabinet member for economic development, said: “Henley attracts many thousands of visitors each year but we wanted to ensure that those who come for events by the Thames also spend time in the rest of the town.

“The area beyond the river has many hidden delights, such as shops, pubs and restaurants.

“The new maps, displays and boards will help visitors find their way around, find out more about the town and hopefully get the most out of their time in Henley.”

Mayor Elizabeth Hodgkin said: “We are very pleased that we now have two new interpretation boards, new leaflets and new maps around the town. The 10 Brilliant Things to do in Henley leaflet is in particular demand. “It is important that information on Henley is up to date and once again we have worked in partnership with the district council to produce a brilliant result.”

Town centre manager Pete McConnell said: “It is great to see something from the market town action plan being put in place.

“These are really useful additions to the town and give visitors, tourists and residents some context for what the river is all about. Plus it is good fun.”

To download the leaflets, www.southernoxfordshire.com/henley.php

Published 26/08/12