Eastleigh'S successful tourism unit could be disbanded by the end of the year - despite figures reinforcing claims that the place once labelled "beastly Eastleigh" has become a visitor destination.

In 2003 Hamble Valley Tourism - the Strawberry Coast branding for services provided by Eastleigh Council - released figures showing that tourism was worth more than £77m to the borough.

UK visitors were said to spend almost £60m a year and visitor spending sustained an estimated 2,254 jobs, either directly or indirectly.

Last year's Hamble Valley Food and Drink Festival attracted 24,000 visitors who spent about £384,000 during the festival fortnight.

But now the council has confirmed it is currently "reviewing the provision of tourism services with a view to withdrawing from their direct provision by the end of the year".

A council spokesman told the Daily Echo: "A formal decision will be made on the future of those services at the council's executive meeting on February 10.

"In the meantime the council has given an assurance that all current commitments made by the tourism service - such as the Hamble Valley Food and Drink Festival - will be honoured."

Four posts in the unit are at risk if the axe falls in what is believed to be a cost-cutting move. Tourism is a discretionary service for the borough council.

But borough councillor Steve Broomfield - who recently launched a successful scheme to have homes of the famous and sites of historical interest across Eastleigh recognised with blue plaques - is vowing to try and put a halt to any bid to disband the tourism unit.

He said: "As someone who works to promote local tourism through my voluntary work at West End Museum and with West End Local History Society, I am deeply shocked that the council is looking to withdraw its support for the promotion of tourism throughout the borough.

"Tourism adds a lot to our quality of life and helps create local jobs. This proposal is irresponsible and I will be seeking to have it shelved."

Eastleigh's prospective Conservative parliamentary candidate, Conor Burns, also lashed out at the move, commenting: "Any move to stop promoting our area for cash savings is crass and short-sighted."

But Eastleigh Council leader Keith House said: "The council is committed to improving its most important services and to keeping council tax increases below inflation.

"Our research suggests that the majority of tourism is stimulated by activities other than those from the borough council."