AS Alton's Tourist Information Centre (TIC) is pared in favour of a reduced service, a cry has gone up for East Hampshire District Council to think again. People are angry over the demise of the TIC in favour of a new system that will see Petersfield TIC at the hub with Alton – the largest centre in East Hampshire – reduced to TIP (Tourist Information Point) status along with Bordon/Whitehill and the villages. Alton Town Walk guide Joan Richardson is furious that Alton TIC – which has recently received an accolade for excellent service – should be pushed aside while Petersfield is made 'kingpin'. In a letter to The Herald Mrs Richardson writes: "I consider this to be nothing short of a disgrace. Over the two decades Alton TIC has been open the staff there have generated the highest praise for their service to the town." Many people are resentful of the fact that Alton is to suffer "a double whammy" as EHDC is forced to increase car parking charges and cut TIC services to balance the books. The change to a TIP system is expected to save £30,000. Alton Town Council leader David Willoughby points out that somebody has to make up the shortfall, brought about by EHDC's decision to freeze its bit of the council tax bill – and Alton appears to be in direct line of fire. "This is simply a cost-cutting exercise dictated by a Tory political stance not to put up the precept, which means EHDC is having to cut services or increase costs, and Alton is bearing the brunt of both." He finds it hard to believe that at a time when EHDC wants to encourage more business into the area it is considering replacing people, who have the local knowledge and enthusiasm to support and promote the town, with a largely unmanned carousel. "This is the withdrawal of a very important service which has become part of the fabric of Alton. The staff do a great job in promoting the town and its activities, as well as offering services like the booking of coaches and B&B. "Alton is the biggest centre in East Hampshire with a wealth of history both in the town and the surrounding area but that appears to have been ignored. "This is the thin end of the wedge for Alton," said Mr Willoughby. Lib Dem parliamentary candidate for East Hampshire, Adam Carew, has joined councillors in condemning the demise of Alton TIC. Describing the downsize as "short sighted and totally unacceptable," he added: "Alton is the oldest town in East Hampshire and will become even more of a tourist destination with the arrival of the National Park. So why can't Alton people and visitors to the town enjoy the same level of service as at Petersfield? Surely it makes sense to have a similar level of service in both these historic towns. "TICs are vital to the economic and cultural wellbeing of East Hampshire and are a fantastic source of information for visitors and residents alike. "East Hants Liberal Democrats welcome the creation of additional information points across the district but we totally oppose any reduction in service to Alton TIC." Alton county councillor Tony Ludlow added: "This is a serious blow to businesses and visitors. Now is the time to celebrate Alton, not to make it difficult for visitors to become aware of the jewel in the district crown." l As from April, Alton's TIP will be in EHDC's presence office in Cross and Pillory Lane.