A TOURIST information centre is struggling to operate for its publicised hours after complaints of threatening and intimidating behaviour.

Based on publicised opening hours advertised between 30th March and 6th September, Chepstow Tourist Information Centre was supposed to be opened for 954.5 hours. However, the centre was only open for 87 per-cent of this time - just over 825 hours.

The main reason for the centre not being open for the full operating time is largely due to modifications to the operating of the centre after complaints of threatening and intimidating behaviour to staff from a member of the local community.

As a result, a double manning policy was brought in, and modifications have been recommended to the building to ensure staff’s safety.

Cuts to budget for tourist information centres have led to a reduction in staffing levels, meaning that there has been insufficient staff to operate double manning in the centre for 100 per-cent of the advertised time.

These budget restrictions mean that none of the recommended improvements to the centre are affordable at this time.

Chepstow town councillors are now going to seek options to keep the centre open while adhering to budget limits, including an option for local businesses to deliver a visitor information service to cover any potential closed hours. The issues will be discussed at Chepstow town council’s meeting tonight (23rd September).