SOLUTIONS to Chepstow tourist information centre’s problems have been sought this week.

Representatives from the centre, Ian Saunders and Kate Burton, were at Chepstow town council’s meeting last week to answer questions from the councillors and to explain the centre’s situation in more detail.

As reported in last week’s Beacon, Chepstow tourist information centre has been struggling to operate for its publicised hours after complaints of threatening and intimidating behaviour meaning that, based on publicised opening hours advertised between 30th March and 6th September, Chepstow tourist information centre was only open for 87 percent of its intended opening times.

Ian Saunders explained to the councillors that the centre had been struggling as, in order to protect staff at the centre, a double-staffing policy had been introduced. This policy, meaning double the expenditure for the centre, has meant that operating for 100 percent of the opening hours has been impossible, due to budget restrictions.

Councillor Hilary Beech raised the idea of using a One Stop Shop system in order to ensure that tourists to the area will always have a place to get information.

Cllr Beech also mentioned how concerned she has become with how the town delivers the service, and stated that she believed that the council simply giving money to the centre would not be enough.

Cllr Stephanie Dovey raised the issue of the Forest of Dean providing money for the service, asking Kate Burton whether the centre sells literature relating to the Forest of Dean area, something that Ms Burton confirmed.

“I can’t understand the reluctance of the Forest of Dean to give the centre support,” said Cllr Dovey.

“We’re being asked for money but there is reluctance over the border; it seems unfair and very one-sided.”

“Last meeting I was very disappointed we [the town council] didn’t offer to give more. To lose the tourist information centre would be a great loss to the town and the surrounding area.”

Cllr Ned Heywood declared that he felt it was vital for the town to retain it’s services, and that maintaining these services should be a matter of priority.

“We need to recognise that services will be severely curtailed or may even disappear if we don’t do something. We should be looking at what the centre needs to be supported.”

The councillors agreed that, while it has lead to some financial issues, it is important for members of staff at the centre to feel safe and secure. Cllr Beech said that while there were implications, she was glad to hear that things are in place to protect staff and to make them feel comfortable.

It was proposed that the issue would be raised with the marketing group and the chamber of commerce. There will be a meeting this week to discuss whether there is any unspent money in the budget to support the centre in the meantime.