Cash To Info Centre

It has just welcomed its 10,000 visitor AND had been awarded a 12,000 grant to keep the centre open for another three years.

The centre opened in 1997, offering a wide range of information and services to the Wick community, and, after a wait of several months, has just heard that the Church Urban Fund is giving 12,000 over the next three years, so that co-ordinator Ian Creese can continue to be employed.

Earlier this month, the 10,000th visitor crossed the threshold of the centre, which is based in a portable building next to Wick Hall, Wick Street.

Dave Sax, chairman of the Wick Information Centre management committee, said: "What a good start to 2003! I am delighted that we have had our 10,000th visitor, which shows the centre is offering something that local people want. This was recognised by the Church Urban Fund when they awarded their grant.

"Perhaps the most important reason for the success of the centre is the excellent work of Ian Creese and his dedicated team of volunteers."

The centre was set up in a joint initiative by All Saints' Church and Wick Action Group.

The range of information on offer, including material on clubs, societies, charities, health services, travel timetables and welfare benefits has expanded over the years, as has the number of visitors, which last year totalled almost 2,400.

There is also a regular police surgery, and a changing programme of exhibitions from Littlehampton Museum. Opening hours are Tuesday-Thursday, 9am-4pm.