A POTENTIAL funding threat to a Yorkshire tourism body has been attacked.

Reports have suggested Welcome To Yorkshire could lose out amid Government cash cuts as a public spending review surrounding tourism gets under way.

Coun James Alexander, leader of City of York Council’s Labour group, said any withdrawal of funding would harm North Yorkshire’s economy and leave jobs in jeopardy.

“Welcome To Yorkshire does a fantastic job for our region in promoting the wonderful towns, cities, coast and countryside we have to offer,” he said.

“It is fair to say that what we have gives Yorkshire a distinct advantage over many other countries and regions, but the promotion and marketing of Yorkshire is essential for the long-term health of its economy.

“Given what I have heard, I have a sense of foreboding about this review of tourism funding.

Yorkshire needs an organisation which continues to promote the finest the region has to offer, so existing jobs are protected and new ones created.

“The raft of cuts coming out of Government can only result in jobs being lost, and that needs to be highlighted if and when decisions of this kind are taken.”