Tourism centre threatened with closure

The centre in Budleigh Salterton attracts 50,000 visitors a year

A tourist information centre in a Devon town could face closure over a funding row.

The centre in Budleigh Salterton is being urged to sign, and comply with, a 'Service Level Agreement' by East Devon District Council.

The local authority provides money for the facility and has issued the agreement based on rules and regulations included in a new government initiative which applies to all centres nationally.

But the Chamber of Commerce, which runs the centre in the High Street, is refusing to sign the document and is worried this could force the bureau to close.

The council is withholding its financial support until the Chamber backs down from its position.

Much of the local economy depends on tourism and tourism-related industries in order to survive Clive Lewis, Budleigh Salterton Chamber of Commerce chairman

The tourist information centre has been in Budleigh Salterton for more than two decades.

It attracts about 50,000 visitors a year and the Chamber says between 40% and 60% of the town's tourist economy goes through the centre.

Chamber chairman Clive Lewis said he was appalled by the demand from the council as the centre had been running successfully for 23 years without a written agreement.

"We have been asked to sign a Service Level Agreement which we don't object to in principle at all.

National agreement

"But the basis of the agreement is we should provide a minimum level of tourism services as agreed nationally by the tourism authorities for the country."

Mr Lewis said the closure of the centre would be disastrous for the town.

"It is very important to east Devon as a whole.

"Much of the local economy depends on tourism and tourism-related industries in order to survive.

"In Budleigh Salterton, we are dependent on tourists as much as business from local people to keep businesses afloat."