Public to have say on plans to move tourism office

Hambleton District Council wants to move the main tourism information centre from its current base in the centre of Thirsk into the nearby World of James Herriot attraction.

However, the plans have led to worries that the new site is too small to promote the town's hugely important tourism industry.

The Thirsk Area Forum will now discuss the plans with the town's business leaders, Thirsk Town Council and tourism experts before a final decision.

The forum's chairman, Coun Gareth Dadd, said: "Tourism is the very heart beat of Thirsk and its hinterland and as such it is vital we get this proposal correct.

"As the forum chairman, I am determined everybody with an interest is heard, not least the volunteers that give their time so freely."

Members of the Hambleton authority's cabinet were told last week that the Moors and Coast Tourism Partnership is moving out of the offices above the centre next month, opening up the opportunity to look at the use of the council-owned building, which also houses offices for Thirsk Town Council.

Councillors agreed in principle to the move into the Herriot Centre in Kirkgate, but now want to hear the views of residents on alternatives before a final decision is made.

The council's cabinet member for prosperity, Coun Tony Hall, said the tourism centre was a valuable source of information for local people and visitors.

He added: "But we have the opportunity to now look at the best place for it to be sited and the best way for it to be managed. Considerable savings could be made through this move and this council must look at all of them."

The forum meeting will be held in The Old Courthouse on Tuesday, March 9, from 6.30pm.