Sleaford tourist office will close in cost-cutting 'reorganisation' plans
Wednesday 5pm - SLEAFORD'S Tourist Information Centre looks set to be closed in a cost-saving reorganisation of the service, giving rise to fears it could adversely affect tourism in the area.
In a review of the tourism service, North Kesteven District Council plans to close the office in Money's Yard and focus on making leaflets and information more widely available.
Council leader Marion Brighton said: "Tourism remains a key priority for the district council and, moving forward after the economic downturn, its delivery has been reviewed to make sure this is done as efficiently and effectively as possible. The forward strategy will focus on three areas: continued investment in visitor attractions; making available information at tourism venues and through website development; and building strong partnerships for tourism in Lincolnshire.
"As a consequence of this new approach, information will be available through NKDC offices and Community Access Points and from tourism venues rather than a separate Tourist Information Centre. Through our network of 10 Local Access Points, no resident within North Kesteven will be more than five miles away from this information."
Visitors and residents will have to rely more heavily on an expanded website for attractions and events details, along with promotion in the local press,
The tourism industry supports over 1,400 jobs locally, while attractions draw over 1.92 million visitors a year generating over 74.5 million in revenue.
The decision taken by the council's executive board could still be subject to further scrutiny by members and there will be wider consultation.
Deputy leader Dennis Roberts insisted that it was a reorganisation of the service rather than a reduction so that, instead of one tourist office serving Sleaford, information could be accessed locally all over the district and beyond, saving 40,000 a year in the process.
He said more work was needed to attract tourists in Lincoln to try North Kesteven.
Sleaford Business Improvement District manager Emma Batty said the
BID and Chamber of Commerce were concerned the decision was detrimental to the town's long term interests.
She said: "We feel that the knowledge and service provided by a specialised centre will not be easily replaced."
Garry Goodge, business manager for Sleaford Playhouse, said it may affect their venue badly as they relied on the TIC for its good box office service.
Mr Goodge added: "Venues like ours will suffer. It is another nail in the coffin of Sleaford."
Peter Marshall of Heckington Railway Station Museum hoped The Hub in Sleaford could be better used for visiting tourists. He felt that local access points in villages had limited opening hours and needed better signage to be effective.
*What do you think of the proposal to close Sleaford's Tourist Information Centre office? Email your views to andy.hubbert@jpress.co.uk
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Weather for Sleaford
Saturday 11 February 2012
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