A MUCH - publicised tourism "passport" scheme for attractions in or near Craven Arms failed to materialise on schedule, leaving at least one operator very angry.

Leaflets giving money off for each of five attractions and the Shropshire Hills shuttle bus were to have been launched on Saturday for the May Bank Holiday tourist trade.

But a "misunderstanding" meant they didn't appear until Tuesday - when the holidaymakers had gone home.

"It is very disappointing, " said Stella Mitchell at the Land of Lost Content Museum.

"I should have been getting loads of people coming in with their leaflets, especially as there was a major event going on at Stokesay Castle."

"I was told there was a delay in the printing and then I heard there was a hitch because staff at another attraction needed training in how to dispense the vouchers.

"That's a bit ridiculous because all you do is tear off a piece that says you get a pound off the next place you go."

The owner of Mickey Miller's Maize Maze, Colin Bowen, also in the scheme, said he understood there had been a "technical hitch" but he felt the idea was excellent and would bring benefits to all the attractions.

An apologetic Matthew Smith, projects officer for the Market Towns Initiative in Craven Arms was on leave in the week before the Bank Holiday.

"I came back to discover the leaflets hadn't gone out. There was some confusion here and it's all part of being in a large partnership," he said. "We were all sure it was ready to go and then there was a misunderstanding."

"It's a shame for everyone involved. The scheme should be up and running by now.

"I do offer my sincere apologies to any visitor who did go to an attraction expecting to be able to take part in the scheme."

Jo Bickerton, manager at the Secret Hills Discovery Centre, also part of the scheme, said it was still "a wonderful idea".

"There are bound to be teething problems and a few hiccups as this is the first co-operative venture of its kind," she added.

The leaflets will be available this week and the money off scheme is expected to be a big hit during the next bank holiday.