DESPITE Petersfield being promoted as a visitor destination and one of the gateways to the national park, the town’s Tourist Information Centre is set to close.
East Hampshire District Council (EHDC) pays around £40,000 a year to Tourism South East (TSE) to run the centre, but the council says it won’t be renewing the contract in April, leaving staff facing redundancy.
TSE chief executive Nigel Smith said: “With growing pressure on local government finances, I can understand the council’s position, and sympathise.”
He added the redundancy process of consultations and meetings for the staff – one full time, three part time and two casual – is due to start.
The centre, housed in Petersfield Library, is to close on April 25 says EHDC, just as visitor footfall starts to climb towards its summer peak. But the council says the centre is no longer the best way to promote the town.
Councillor Glynis Watts said: “Over the past decade the number of people using the centre has fallen significantly and is expected to fall even further.
“The council considers there are better ways of supporting the visitor economy and will ensure that strong collaboration between Tourism South East, EHDC and our partners continues.
“We will focus on public relations, promotion and business support while also ensuring that leaflets and other forms of information are available.
“The TIC has provided a fantastic service, and I would like to express my thanks to the staff for their wonderful work over many years.”