Estate is boosted by rise in visits

One of Staffordshire's best known visitor attractions is enjoying a boom time despite the global credit crunch.

Shugborough Hall and Estate, near Stafford, has seen visitor numbers soar and has been able to make thousands of pounds in savings, according to a report due to go before councillors on Thursday.

The hall, which is owned by the National Trust, but managed and run by Staffordshire County Council under a 99-year lease, has seen visitor numbers up on last year with the first open weekend seeing 3,000 people visit.

This is double the numbers generated in 2008 and the Easter weekend attracted over 5,000 visitors compared to 3,000 last year.

A total of £95,000 has also been saved as a result of staff re-structuring, a re-introduction of special events and a job evaluation process.