Let's revive tourist info centre

Now Rother council's director of services, Tony Leonard, wants guidance on dealing with the issue.

Since Rother controversially closed the Marina TIC and arranged for Bexhill inquiries to be handled by Battle's centre, he has been receiving offers to run a Bexhill unit.

In a report to Monday afternoon's Town Hall cabinet meeting he says: "The staffed TIC at 51 Marina closed with effect from March 31, 2005. Telephone, postal and email enquiries have been redirected to the TIC at Battle, including accommodation bookings.

"In addition, Miraleisure Ltd. have maintained a local booking arrangement with a number of local accommodation providers. Information leaflets on local attractions, events, etc. are available at the library and at the Bexhill Community Help Point.

"Some travel and theatre tickets continue to be sold through Miraleisure Ltd. who continue to trade at 51 Marina.

"The De La Warr Pavilion currently provides some local information and links through its website, including links to the 1066 Country website and to some local accommodation providers.

"It is understood that the website will be further developed to encompass more local information on facilities, attractions, events and accommodation in the future with links to the DMS.

"In addition, once re-opened the Pavilion will provide a staffed reception desk open seven days a week which will be able to offer some information about the town although it is emphasised this is not regarded as a TIC.

"It is understood that the desk will also stock some appropriate local guides and brochures.

"Leading up to and since the closure of the Bexhill TIC, the council has received several enquiries from businesses and individuals who have expressed interest in operating a TIC from various locations.

"At present no further work has been undertaken to ascertain the strength or suitability of this interest, in the absence of authority from members to do so.

"It is therefore not possible at this stage to advise how serious or suitable these enquiries are. Should the council decide to formally pursue these enquiries, the most appropriate way forward would be to undertake an informal tender process. Previous experience from tendering in recent years for this service, however, has seen many of the interested parties withdraw, or deemed unsuitable due to location, financial security or type of business."

In a risk assessment statement, Mr Leonard says: "... a clear policy position is required regarding the future provision of tourist information services in Bexhill in order to allow sufficient time for arrangements to be put in place if a staffed TIC is to be pursued for 2005/6 and beyond.

"If not, it will allow the council and the business community alike to work to the best mutual advantage within the framework of the existing and planned provision outlined within the report.

Battle TIC is currently operated by English Heritage from the gatehouse of Battle Abbey. Rye TIC recently transferred its operation from Rye Town Council to Rye Town Services Ltd.