Brecon’s County Councillors have united to call on Powys County Council to scrap its proposals to close the town’s Tourist Information Centre (TIC).
The Council’s executive Cabinet plan to close the TIC from January 2018 and relocate a heavily scaled down version to the library on Ship Street before another relocation to the new Y Gaer development.
Cllr Sarah Lewis who represents St Mary Ward said:
"I feel that the decision taken in 2014 by the previous Cabinet let Brecon down very badly. At no time were the Town Council consulted about the proposed closure. If they had been, then maybe a solution could have been worked out to the benefit of the town and those who rely on the TIC.
“I know that Y Gaer will be opening around the end of 2018 but, to have a gap of over six months at the height of the tourist period with no proper TIC, is unbelievable. Hopefully, BTC will be able to provide this service, albeit in a different location, as unfortunately PCC are asking for an annual rent that is way beyond BTC's precept."
St John Ward Cllr Matthew Dorrance said:
“Powys County Council’s decision to close the town’s TIC doesn’t make sense as it could damage our local economy and jobs which rely heavily on tourism.
“The Council says the economy is at the heart of its new strategy but actions speak louder than words.
“The people who run Powys County Council need to listen to the community and its local Councillors who are telling them loud and clear they’ve got this decision wrong.”
David Meredith, the St David Ward Cllr added:
“Everyone is behind the Y Gaer development but Powys County Council have to accept that Brecon needs its TIC and they need to u-turn on this bad decision.
“If this plan goes ahead, Brecon would be left without another vital service.
“When people visit Brecon, its important they can access information, maps and expert advice from a dedicated TIC service.”
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