CHEPSTOW Tourist Information Centre (TIC) is to close next month due to what Monmouthshire County Council (MCC) describes as “budget pressures.”

The centre, which has previously had its future questioned, will now close on Friday 4th December for the winter months with the intention of the service being reopened in next April. Beyond this date, the future of Chepstow’s TIC service is unknown. but once it is confirmed the council will issue a new statement.

A statement from MCC said: “Unprecedented cuts to council budgets have left Monmouthshire County Council with no choice but to close this highly valued and well used centre over the winter months while a decision is made on its future.

“In other locations the council has been able to identify partners willing to share the responsibility and costs of running the tourist information service. Unfortunately, the council has so far been unable to develop a shared service model in Chepstow to ensure it is sustainable in the future and the running costs are shared more fairly with those who benefit.

“Had it not been for the contribution from Chepstow Town Council, the TIC would have had to curtail its hours even more during the summer.

“The council is doing everything possible to mitigate the impact of closure and exploring opportunities to access external funding to support delivery of the service in a more sustainable way.” 

While Chepstow TIC is closed, visitors are advised to use the visitor information kiosk in the Castle Dell car park or to visit www.visitmonmouthshire.com

Alternatively, for email and telephone assistance they can contact Monmouthshire’s shared service tourist information centre in Abergavenny at [email protected] or 01873 853254.

A dedicated telephone number is to be set up for National Express enquiries and ticket sales after 4th December.