The future of Burnham’s Tourist Information Centre could be in jeopardy due to council cost-cutting plans, it has emerged this week.
Cash-strapped Sedgemoor District Council is having to make extensive savings across the area and one of the possible casualties could be Burnham’s Tourist Information Centre on The Esplanade.
Bob Nicholson, Chairman of Somerset Tourism Association, told Burnham-On-Sea.com on Tuesday (November 3rd): “We have heard talk about this and would be very upset to see the centre close.”
“It’s a huge asset to Burnham and provides an important service to visitors and residents. It keeps winning awards for the quality of its service.”
“If it were to close, this would be another example of local councils abandoning tourism, which creates tens of thousands of jobs across Somerset and generates millions of pounds of much-needed income.”
Tom Ashton, Deputy Chairman of Burnham Chamber Of Trade, added: “This could have a big knock-on impact on business in the town – not just for tourism, but accommodation firms and shops. We are definitely against any proposals to close the centre.”
District council spokeswoman Claire Faun played down the proposals, telling Burnham-On-Sea.com: “There are many possible cost savings being investigated by councillors at this time of year during our annual financial review. We always hear about rumours circulating regarding various cost-cutting proposals ahead of the final decision.”
