SE1 success at London Tourism Awards

For the second year running the British Airways London Eye was the clear winner of the BBC London People's Choice Award. Strong opinions were given on many of the Eye's qualities, and some of the voters' reasons for its success were: “It's the most exciting attraction,” “I love the design,” “it's modern, well designed and you get a wonderful view of London from it”.

Tate Modern came fourth in the poll, and other SE1 attractions picking up votes included Borough Market. BBC London news presenter Emily Maitlis hosted the award ceremony.

The Pool of London Partnership, in association with Southwark Council, won the Tourism Management Best Practice Award for their Lighting Strategy for the Pool of London area.

The key elements of the strategy included additional floodlighting and decorative building lighting, amenity lighting to facilitate confident use of areas after dark and improvements to lighting on the riverside walkways.

The lighting schemes implemented during 2001/2 for which the PLP were awarded were the completion of the lighting project for Southwark Cathedral, the completion of lighting on HMS Belfast following its refit in 2000 and improvements to Tower Bridge Piazza at Butler's Wharf.

Commenting on the success and plans for the future, Terry Wilden, PLP Programme Manager said "We are delighted to be the first to win this award, but we will not be resting on our laurels. The PLP will be launching a new Lighting Masterplan later this year that will build on the work that has already been done in enhancing important historic and tourist landmarks. This new programme will cover lighting proposals for transport interchanges, main pedestrian routes, open spaces and amenity areas; important areas that can sometimes be overlooked."