Tenby councillors are considering taking their quest to keep the town’s Tourist Information Centre open to the Senedd.

Following discussions at their last meeting, members suggested writing to the Welsh Tourism Minister, Lord Elis-Thomas in a bid to try and help save the resort’s TIC facility, as fears grow for its future, as ways are needed to try and put in place the £45,000 funding required by ?embrokeshire ?ounty ?ouncil for it to remain open.

At Tuesday night’s meeting of the town council, the town clerk Andrew Davies said that he had received correspondence from Lord Elis-Thomas.

“Responsibility for the funding of Tourism Information Centres (TICs) rests with Local Authorities, Tourism Associations, National Parks and Welsh Water rather than with Welsh Government,” stated the Deputy Minister for Culture, Sport and Tourism.

“I know that many of these managing authorities have had to make savings on budgets which has resulted in changes in the way visitor information is provided. For example, some have moved their premises or closed their TICs, whilst others have linked their TICs with local libraries and/or local businesses.

“The move towards visitors seeking information from digital sources has also resulted in authorities providing visitor information via websites or interactive information points. This change is taking place in other destinations as well, for example Scotland has also significantly reduced the number of its TICs as it moves to arrangements such as those mentioned above.

“I note that you are in ongoing discussions with Pembrokeshire County Council about this matter and I trust these talks will be constructive,” he added.

Responding, Clr. Laurence Blackhall told his colleagues that it would be worthwhile to hold a meeting with Lord Elis-Thomas to emphasise the importance of a Tourist Information Centre to a town like Tenby.

“There are only a few places in the whole of the UK that have the attraction and appeal a tourist destination like Tenby has,” he said.

“Tenby’s particular circumstances are unique - and not just a run of the mill place like other areas that may have lost their TIC facility.

“Tenby is not just Pembrokeshire’s ‘jewel in the crown’ - but also Wales’ ‘jewel in the crown’.

“I’d write back and ask for a meeting in person, and we’re quite happy to travel up to the Senedd in Cardiff to hold discussions and get our point of view across,” added Clr. Blackhall.