Tourism Information Centre gearing up for big move

Preparations are underway for Bromyard’s Tourist Information Centre’s big move into the new Bromyard Centre at Cruxwell Street.

The Tourist Information service, currently operating in Rowberry Street will move into the new Centre to be open to the public on Monday, January 5.

With funds secured from the Market Towns Initiative, a new supervisor, Alan Simpson, has been appointed to oversee the move.

Alan is the former licensee of the popular Three Elms pub in Hereford and is the secretary of the Herefordshire Branch of the Campaign for Real Ale.

He has already been “out and about” getting to know people in Bromyard, meeting groups such as the Local History Society, Tourist Groups and the Regeneration Partnership.

One of his first priorities was to meet the volunteers who staffed the Tourist Information Centre and he was very impressed with their enthusiasm and detailed knowledge of the area.

Alan Simpson said: “The move to the Bromyard Centre will not only bring the Tourist Information service closer to the heart of the town but will also be available for a greater length of time.

“These should combine to increase usage, thereby giving greater benefit not only to visitors to the area, but local residents and traders alike.”

He has been appointed as supervisor and will ensure that the provision of Tourist Information in Bromyard is delivered.

An experienced line and support manager, Alan is skilled in providing excellent customer care.

The Tourist Information Centre will be supervised by Alan who, along with a team of volunteers, will provide a wealth of information to the benefit of both local residents and visitors.

Cllr Roy Stockton, Cabinet Member (Community and Social Development), added: “ This will be a unique service for Herefordshire with the Tourist Information Centre to be open seven days a week, all year round – effectively doubling the operating hours of the existing service.

More follows

“Pooling the range of services, such as free Internet access, under the one roof and the customer friendly service will hopefully encourage tourists not only to visit but to extend their stay in Herefordshire and explore all that this beautiful county has to offer. “

The UK holiday information (brochures on other tourist destinations) will be available as well as information on places to visit locally and further a field.

The centre will adopt a computerised reservation system, which will enable staff to make reservations into any inspected accommodation within the county.

For those people who wish to visit other destinations accommodation can be reserved through the centre to anywhere in the UK.

Additional services available through the Tourist Information Centre will be the sale of local bus passes, theatre and event tickets.

Also for sale will be postcards, a range of local interest books, maps, walks and a variety of gifts.

A display cabinet will also be available for local crafts people to rent out on a monthly basis.