THE partnership framework behind the collapsed tourism body Visit Exmoor looks set to rise from the ashes as West Somerset Council tries to resurrect a marketing group for the district.

The authority is hoping to forge renewed links with the Exmoor Tourist Association, Exmoor National Park Authority and Active Exmoor, some 15 months after the demise of Visit Exmoor.

The organisation folded after bitter infighting between the partners and almost claimed the popular Exmoor Coast and Country brochure in the process.

Since then, the district council has continued to fund the brochure - currently dogged by accusations of a lack of promotion and marketing - and supported a number of tourism related initiatives.

It was also behind the development of a new visitor information centre in Minehead, which opened last summer.

Now the authority is planning to spearhead the launch of a new partnership following ongoing discussions with both private and public sector organisations.

The aim is to work together and pool resources to boost visitor numbers, increase the amount of money spent in both West Somerset and Greater Exmoor and make the area a leader in sustainable tourism.

The council's executive director Adrian Dyer will tell next week's cabinet meeting: "The previous tourism partnership under the banner 'Visit Exmoor' was extremely wide ranging, involving numerous partners and was funded and resourced in the main by both West Somerset Council and Exmoor National Park Authority.

"Unfortunately, disagreement undermined its effectiveness and ultimately led to both authorities withdrawing their support and it was ultimately disbanded circa December 2007."

He will ask cabinet members to approve the aims and objectives of the new partnership and for authorisation to work with the partners to "establish the precise form of partnership".

Mr Dyer said he envisaged the new group would work as a "coming together of minds" between the four organisations, all working to market the area to attract visitors, to provide information on accommodation, to promote activities and maintain a good product by caring for the local environment.

Deciding resource and financial contributions will also be key to delivering successful tourism services.

Cllr Michael Downes, the council's economic development and tourism portfolio holder, said: "In these uncertain economic times, I feel it is an excellent opportunity to combine the skills and knowledge of committed private and public sector agencies in a firm partnership.

"The partnership will consult with other local tourism operators to consolidate the area's position as a quality tourism destination and will be a key strength in leading this sector in future economic growth for the benefit of all local people."