PETERSFIELD'S tourist information centre is set to survive a shake-up of regional services – with advanced services set to be offered at the branch from April. However, Alton's centre – currently manned by four part-time staff – is set to be replaced by a local network of tourist information points. The proposals, set to be enforced by East Hampshire District Council (EHDC), will see local tourist information points located in council offices, visitor attractions, post offices and local shops in towns and villages across East Hampshire. Penny Young, manager of Petersfield tourist information centre, spoke of the "absolutely wonderful" news. She said: "This is good news for us – all of our staff are relieved and delighted that we can still support local businesses. "But our delight is tempered by the loss of Alton tourist information centre, as it is sad losing some of our colleagues from there. "This will be good for East Hampshire in the long term, particularly if the South Downs National Park comes into being, due to Petersfield's location. "Tourist information points will be located around the whole of East Hampshire, so I would estimate that as a whole the area will be served better – and Petersfield will be the hub," she added. Debbie Vodden, EHDC's economic development officer, spoke of "a lot of detailed work to do between now and next April". "The idea is that we have a substantial number of information points around the district. The ideal number is between 10 and 20 and they will take some looking after," she said. The plans, rubber-stamped by EHDC's cabinet last Wednesday, were further explained by Ken Moon, lead councillor for economic development. He said: "We have put a lot of work into plans to improve how we provide tourist information in East Hampshire in the future. I am delighted that Cabinet has given us the green light to put these plans into practice. "A local network of tourist information points covering the whole district means that we will continue to support the tourism industry in East Hampshire, a valuable part of the local economy. "It will also give support to vital businesses, such as village post offices, in the communities across the district." Mr Moon added: "An additional benefit is that local people will have better access to information about what to see and do in the area."
