Tourist Information Centre
Brecon Town Council is committed to maintaining a face-to-face Tourist Information service in Brecon to support local businesses and the community. Confidential negotiations have been underway over the last six months in relation to the closure of the existing Tourist Information Centre in the town’s car park.
The Town Council has been very concerned at the plans by Powys County Council to close the existing Tourist Information Centre by the end of January. A Working Group was set up in collaboration with Brecon Chamber of Trade, Brecon Beacons Tourism and Brecknock Society and Museum Friends to look at options to resolve the issue.
Powys County Council refused a request for a Community Asset Transfer for the building for which they are seeking a significant commercial rent. Brecon Town Council has concluded that the financial cost and risk to the taxpayer of continuing the service at the present building would be too great.
However further research has established that a tourism service could be affordable at an alternative location. The Council is sourcing alternative premises for the delivery of the service and has budgeted sums in its precept for 2018/19 to allow delivery of such a service. Confidential negotiations are currently underway.
The Council’s intention is to maintain a face-to-face Tourism Information Centre for the next year April 18-March 19. It is envisaged that this will be a staffed service with flexible opening hours and supported by volunteers.
The Council is very concerned about the level and quality of the eventual Tourism Service being proposed at Y Gaer by Powys County Council. The Town Council is continuing to look at ways of maintaining a face-to-face service rather than the unmanned service which we understand is being proposed by Powys County Council for Y Gaer. We will keep the public informed about the progress of these proposals.
It should be noted that due to the confidentiality issues Brecon Town Council has been unable to disclose plans publicly, however thorough research and negotiations have been undertaken behind the scenes over the last six months.
Brecon Town Council welcomes support from individuals, community groups and organisations, community councils and businesses who wish to be involved in the ongoing Tourism Information Service. Contact the Town Clerk at office@brecontowncouncil.org.uk for further information. More stories