BOURNEMOUTH should become a twin town with Liverpool, says a councillor.

Michael Griffiths believes they more in common that you might think and a link could boost tourism for both.

He has been in contact with the Local Government Association, Liverpool City Council and the officers in Bournemouth.

“Liverpool is one of the greatest cities in the UK and there is so much we could learn,” said Cllr Griffiths.

He cited the success of the Liverpool Culture Company, which was set up to promote the arts, and Tate Liverpool, which hosts art exhibitions by ordinary people as well as famous artists.

Cllr Griffiths said there’s no reason why two British towns or cities cannot twin.

However he said some form of partnership arrangement, hopefully one based on cultural events, is more likely attract to attract Local Government Association funding.

A partnership with Liverpool could also give Bournemouth access to European Grant Funding aimed at deprived areas.

Cllr Griffiths, a regular visitor to the Liverpool, said some people’s preconceptions about the city are wrong.

“In my experience people in Liverpool are the friendliest people you can meet. They are creative, open to fresh ideas, and open to new people.”

Cllr Griffiths said both places are coastal settlements, and both have historically attracted new residents from all over the country He said they could provide mutual tourism advice – Bournemouth gets a lot of British tourists but few international ones, while the situation in Liverpool is reversed.

A spokesman for Liverpool council said: “We’ll be very interested to hear what he has to say and if there is something of mutual benefit, but it’s very much an initial stage.”

Tony Williams, Bournemouth Council’s executive director for Environment and Economy, said: “Councillor Griffiths has raised an interesting idea and we will be pleased to meet with him to discuss this further.”