South West Tourism says Torbay businesses must lobby the Prime Minister if they want better travel links with the rest of England.

At a general meeting of Torbay Hospitality Association (THA), held at the Belgrave Hotel, members questioned South West Tourism chairman Francis Cornish about ways to improve the Bay's money-spinning chances.South West Tourism, a tourist board for the region, is a partnership of private enterprise and the public sector.

Some THA members quizzed Mr Cornish about the dwindling rail services to Torbay and the conspicuous lack of progress on the Kingskerswell bypass.

One audience member said: "We're in competition with hotels elsewhere in this country and abroad.

"If people can't get to us easily they'll go elsewhere. We want to get that damned bypass built because we need it."

Mr Cornish replied: "We're all pushing. What I'm responsible for as chairman of South West Tourism is to keep trying.

"Letter-writing is good. Write to your MP and the Prime Minster. Lobby them."

Robin Barker, deputy chief executive of South West Tourism, echoed Mr Cornish's support of a bypass at Kingskerswell.

He told the Herald Express: "South West Tourism has always been supportive of a better road-link into to Torquay, as the traffic delay clearly does impact on the economy of Torbay, and we continue to encourage decision-makers and funders to invest as required."

Another audience member asked Mr Cornish: "Torbay's rail service is facing major cuts. What are South West Tourism going to do to improve the situation?"

Mr Cornish replied: "We can't do anything on our own. There are no short answers. All these things come back to a shortage of funds."

He also told THA members it was imperative that they work with Torbay Council to raise the standards of visitor attractions.

Mr Cornish added: "We have a vision, and the difference between ours and others is that ours is entirely achievable.

"Car parking, beaches, the drive down here, toilets - these are important issues. To overcome these issues we must get the right people from the local authority and business around the table.

"Only by bringing together the private-public partnership will we achieve our tourism aims."

A record number of members attended the day of events at Torquay's Belgrave Hotel, with a bumper trade fair being held in the morning.

Linda Hill, THA secretary, said: "It's been a fantastic day. We sat 200 people down for lunch, and we've never had that before. There were 46 stands in the end and all the people manning them seem to have enjoyed it."