Tourism Office under threat could spell disaster for local businesses

According to an article on the BBC website Businesses have said tourism in Bognro Regis will "suffer" if the planned closure of the visitor information centre goes ahead.

Talks to headed by Arun District Council to hand over the running of the centre to a local contractor broke down last month meaning the facility is set to close as part of local government cut-backs.

The council said the plan was now to close the centre at the end of June and instead invest in the tourism website.

Trevor Pulleyblank, who runs a guest house in the town, said up to 40% of his guests come through the centre.

He said: "I think it's ridiculous that they're thinking about closing it. We are a tourist town and it's slowly but surely dying.

"When I was a young child we had loads and loads of B&Bs, now they're just dotted about."

The council had allegedly agreed to pay £17,000 a year to Arun Arts Limited to run the tourist information centre in the seafront location by the Regis Centre.

Local councillors are described as being "frustrated" at the U-turn.

But Jim Brooks, who chairs Arun Arts, said the organisation pulled out after the council refused to invest £50,000 to carry out vital improvement works.

He said: "We regret the talks broke down but the impression may have been given it's our fault.

"If anyone is going to close the visitor information centre, which is vital for tourism and business, it's Arun District Council."

It seems Arun are to blaim yet again for a failure to properly represent the interests of local people.  Perhaps we can hear from a councillor who was involved in the talks to defend their position or maybe you have a view as to whether the tourist office is worth the money ?  Post and let us know.