Visitor centre saved by local businesses (From Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard)

Visitor centre saved by local businesses

THE north Cotswold Visitor Information Centre threatened with closure in a bid to cut costs has been saved by a local business group.

Bourton-on-the-Water's VIC was due to shut before this summer after council bosses said it would save £60,000.

But the village's Chamber of Commerce has stepped in and saved the facility after it decided Bourton could not do without it.

Now the VIC is set to be run by the chamber with the help of grant funding from Cotswold District Councillor.

Dudley Mills from Bourton Chamber of Commerce said the move was good news for business in the north Cotswolds.

He said: "It is something which the chamber has been pushing for for some time. When the notice of execution was put upon us something had to be done and it has been."

Mr Mills who also sits on the parish council added: "Of course we want it to be the best, there may be some rivalry and we will certainly give it a go. It is nice to see the chamber is prepared to do it because it is for the good of the village and the surrounding area."

Speaking at a meeting of Cotswold District Council, Sheila Jeffrey, representative for the Bourton ward said she fully supported the plans to keep the VIC open.

She said: "I am absolutely delighted that the chamber has been able to put forward proposals for the future.

Cllr Peter Martin, who represents Tetbury where the VIC is run by the town council with grant support, welcomed the Bourton scheme.

He said: "I welcome the fact that Bourton wants this. It is important that the community are able to support their own needs for a VIC. It is not just for visitors it has other services as well."

Councillors voted unanimously to support an amendment to the council budget and allow the Chamber of Commerce plans to progress.

Under the plans CDC would retain ownership of the building while the centre itself will be run by the chamber.

Several proposals targeted at increasing income for the VIC are now set to be discussed by the chamber, including operating a ticket agency and internet cafe within the existing building.