POLITICIANS in the House of Commons received a verbal guided tour of the tourist attractions of Bexley from one of the borough’s MPs.

David Evennett, who represents Bexleyheath and Crayford, took advantage of an adjournment debate in the House last week to trumpet Bexley as a tourist destination.

Mr Evennett said he was disappointed to discover only 20 per cent of people spend four or more nights on holiday in the UK.

If the same number who travelled abroad for a break, stayed in the UK he claimed it would generate £2b more for the travel industry and create 37,000 new jobs.

He expressed the hope that the government’s tourist policy was not just for large towns and cities.

Mr Evennett added: “I should like to encourage more domestic and international visitors to come to my borough of Bexley, to enjoy our historic, cultural and entertainment facilities.”

He then went on to describe the history and renovation of Danson House in Danson Park Welling, adding: “Visiting it is a fantastic experience, and I recommend it.”

Mr Evennett also described the surrounding park and its facilities, including the lake, pointing out it was currently London in Bloom’s best London park, an award it has won in three of the last four years.

From Danson, Mr Evennet moved onto nearby Red House, home of William Morris, which he described as “another gem in suburban Bexleyheath”, before talking about Hall Place, St Paulinus Church in Crayford and Lesnes Abbey ruins.

He said Bexley also offered shopping, quality hotels, good pubs and restaurants, several theatres, a greyhound track and Welling United Football Club.

He told MPs: “Bexley has an awful lot to offer tourists both domestic and from abroad.

“It is a great place to come, and I urge my colleagues and friends in the House to visit.”