THE former Exmoor National Park Centre in Dulverton has been put on the market for lease at £8,500 a year.

The national park authority controversially moved the centre from premises in Fore Street to its Dulverton House headquarters last year.

It was part of a programme to meet a financial crisis which also saw reduced opening hours for its Lynmouth centre and cuts of £4,000 to Porlock Visitor Centre and £3,000 to Combe Martin Tourist Information Point.

Together, the moves were forecast to save the authority £50,000 a year.

The relocation of the Dulverton centre caused a storm of protest in the town as it was feared visitors would not be able to find it in the new location.

Now, Webbers estate agents has been instructed to look for a leaseholder to take on the empty Fore Street property.

Described as a ‘ground floor lock up shop’, the premises offer about 550 sq ft of retail space in the same building as the town’s public library with ‘a great window display’ and pedestrian access links to one of Dulverton’s busiest car parks.

Webbers associate director and head of commercial Tony Foster said: “Dulverton is a vibrant, lively town with many different shops and catering establishments.

“Standing high on Exmoor, this is an ideal town from which to enjoy the many moorland pursuits, situated on the banks of the River Barle, and it is popular with visitors all year round.”

A non-assignable lease of the property is being offered for three years on an internal repairs only basis.

A sneak preview of the centre in its new location was offered by the national park authority during Dulverton by Starlight event in December before it officially reopens on March 29, after which it will be open 10 am to 5 pm, seven days a week.