HOTELIERS today issued a desperate plea not to tax Weymouth's vital tourist trade out of existence.

They appealed for councillors to see common sense and scrap any idea of a tourist tax - which has been put forward as one way of tackling the borough's long-term financial problems.

Coun Les Ames suggested a tax on visitors might be one way of financing the cost to the council of tourism-related facilities and services with visitors perhaps paying £1 each which could be added to their hotel bills.

But the concept has horrified hoteliers who have launched a strong protest against any such tax.

Weymouth Hotels and Catering Association vice-president Rita Coxon said: "We were appalled. Tourists are our livelihood. Without them, not only would we suffer but so would the town."

Mrs Coxon said: "Yet once again, it is being suggested that hoteliers and their guests are taxed further.

"We would like to point out that these same staying-guests contribute some £50-£60 million pounds annually to the town's economy."

Their views are echoed by Weymouth and Portland Chamber of Commerce Chief Executive Bill White who said: "The idea is a non-starter. It would be disastrous. Car parking charges are continuing to go up and hoteliers are finding it hard enough as it is."

Weymouth and Portland Finance Director David Furley said: "A tourism tax has been considered before but it would need Government legislation. It is not something the council could do alone."