WHO are these optimists who keep insisting Malton's Roman heritage will become a major tourist attraction? There is absolutely no evidence it would or could attract even a trickle of visitors (or a few big spenders) to boost the town's ailing economy.

Expert opinion (and there's plenty of it) would tell them - if they asked - that archaeological digs and replica Roman forts are not visitor attractions.

They cost a fortune too, so why do some folk, happily just a handful, keep fluttering around cloud cuckoo land? The Malton Roman Museum has been a cold turkey since it opened more than 20 years ago in the old town hall.

But in their infinite wisdom our councillors keep shovelling out money into it every year. It's a public disgrace. They could, at least, demand that displays be improved to try to bring it into the 21st century.

In a good year it attracts only about 2,800 - not enough revenue to pay for the lighting, heating, cleaning - and nothing towards wages.

I firmly believe Malton needs a good museum, a living museum to lift and capture the imagination of all ages, especially the school children who are dragooned through it every year to build up attendance figures.

Why don't our councillors, who use our money to keep this lame turkey limping along, take a good look at it and its future.

There are lots of bright ideas to bring it alive: The real history of Malton (including after the Roman army of occupation departed); or a racing museum, like the one that has become a major tourist attraction in Newmarket.

BILL ANDERSON

Updated: 12:05 Thursday, February 14, 2002