Options for Leominster Tourist Information Centre

Leominster Tourist Information Centre is likely to be closed or moved this autumn so the landlord can carry out some essential repairs to the building.

However, as with all TICs in Herefordshire, options are being developed as to the long-term future of the Leominster Centre.

This comes on the back of a report made by the Audit Commission when inspecting cultural services in the county. This report recommended a new approach to providing information for visitors.

It was felt, considering the downward trend in the use of TICs, that funds allocated to running the centres could be used elsewhere, especially as TICs generally operated from buildings not owned by the council which require rent to be paid.

Options for Leominster TIC will be explored during the year and this will include consultation with Leominster Town Council and local residents in looking at potential new sites or a reduction in opening hours.

Herefordshire Council's community services scrutiny committee is reviewing all TICs knowing there are challenges to address their future operation.

Councillor Adrian Blackshaw, Herefordshire Council's cabinet member for economic development and community services, said: "We very much value the work the TIC staff are doing and we often receive very positive feedback but there are opportunities to save public money in this area that can then be invested in creating better services for visitors and local people alike.

He added: "We must also realise that the pattern of tourists accessing information is changing specifically through the use of new technology which the council has invested in."