COUNCILLORS in Minehead are to look at all their options after a shock announcement this week that the town’s tourist information centre was to remain closed indefinitely.
Minehead Information Centre, which has five staff, is currently housed in premises at the Dulverton YMCA-run sea front Beach Hotel opposite the West Somerset Railway station.
It was due after a winter break to have opened for the start of this year’s tourism season on March 25.
But director Ray Tew said that after more than 12 successful years it was now unlikely the facility could re-open in the foreseeable future due to a lack of funding.
It follows a warning given to councillors last autumn that it was financially unsustainable and was the subject of a strategic review of its ‘purpose and market relevance’.
Mr Tew said: “Despite the generous support of the YMCA and others over a period of more than 10 years, funding to operate the service has become increasingly hard to sustain.
“The centre is, therefore, unable to continue functioning in the way that it has in the past.”
Mr Tew said he and his fellow directors and staff were proud to have run the information service for Minehead since 2012.
He said excellent ongoing working partnerships had been forged in that time with local authorities, Exmoor National Park, South West Coast Path, England Coast Path, Minehead Museum, and information centres in Porlock and Watchet.
Mr Tew said: “We extend our thanks and gratitude to all the wonderful suppliers of locally produced products and the many accommodation providers whose support over the years has been invaluable.
“It goes without saying that without the loyalty and support of our manager and staff, and everybody at the Beach Hotel, the service would not have been possible.
“Discussions continue to consider the important legacy of this long-established facility and find a solution using other resources, which could offer residents and visitors to Minehead essential and useful information services going forward.”
Minehead Town Council said it noted the information centre’s closure announcement ‘with regret’ and would look at various support options, including funding.
A spokesperson said the council enjoyed ‘an open and transparent relationship’ with the information centre and recognised the vital role it played in supporting tourism and local businesses.
They said: “We thank the directors, staff, and volunteers for their dedicated service.
“We acknowledge the funding challenges faced by the information centre despite the generous support of the YMCA and other partners, making the current business model increasingly difficult to sustain.”
The spokesperson said councillors were committed to working with the directors and stakeholders of the information centre to ‘explore sustainable alternatives’ for visitor information services.
They said: “The town council will examine various support options, which may include financial assistance.
“However, any financial investment will only be directed toward a sustainable model determined through stakeholder consultation.
“We remain dedicated to working with partners to promote Minehead as a premier Somerset coast destination and ensuring visitors receive comprehensive information to enjoy everything our beautiful town has to offer.”