What future for local Tourist Information Centres?

The Council has put the contract out to tender, offering 30,000 a year for the service.

As many readers will remember, the same process took place in Bexhill recently, as a result of which the town is now without a Tourist Information Centre at all. It is not yet certain whether Battle awaits the same fate.

For an area with an economy so reliant upon tourism, surely these Centres are an essential public service? Large amounts of money come to the area thanks to tourist sites like Battle Abbey and the De La Warr Pavilion. Many local jobs also depend upon tourism.

So it is not helpful to hear that one local councillor has argued that Tourist Information offices offer bad value for money simply because of the small numbers of local B&B bookings arranged through them.

I for one have never used a Tourist Information Centre for this purpose.

Tourist Information Centres provide a useful 'one stop shop' for visitors to the area to find out what sights and activities are on offer locally, as well as information on transport links to and from the area. They are a first port of call for all kinds of tourists or sightseers looking to orient themselves in an unfamiliar town.

It would be a real shame to lose this service, and, at a time of such economic uncertainty, an irresponsible move to let Battle's Tourist Information Centre die the same death as Bexhill's. Let's hope the Tory Council doesn't forsake this valuable service.

Please have a look at my website, www.jamesroyston.com, and do get in touch to let me know your views '“ [email protected].