Border Telegraph | News | Outrage over tourist office cuts

Tuesday, 6th January, 2009

Published: Wednesday, 22nd November, 2006 16:17

Outrage over tourist office cuts

By Border Telegraph Newsroom

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MELROSE traders are furious after the town’s Tourist Information Centre (TIC) had its hours cut at short notice.

The TIC, in one of the Borders’ top tourist towns, will openLy on Saturdays, Sundays and Mondays.

The move has been described as “draconian” by Angela Dewar, of Papa Jacks Café in Buccleuch Street and treasurer of Melrose Traders’ Association.

“We did not know this was happening. It came out of the blue. I was told first by Historic Scotland (the custodian at Melrose Abbey) about the decision.

“Tourism is a growth industry. It is the only growth industry in the region and to make cuts is ridiculous,” she said.

The announcement was first made public at a meeting of Melrose & District Community Council last week.

Kelso, as well as Melrose, has been hit by the changes.

Scottish Borders Council blamed the reduction in funding on overall efficiency saving cut in SBC's Economic Development budget in 2006.

“This budget cut has been reflected in the amounts available to partner organisations such as VisitScotland,” a spokeswoman said.

“The decision was carefully considered by VisitScotland Borders, after consultation with the wider tourism industry, and endorsed by SBC's tourism co-ordinating committee.

“Peebles and Jedburgh are the Borders' busiest centres and will remain open full-time, all year round.

“The decision was taken to reduce the opening times of Kelso and Melrose centres, which are less busy, in the winter months

only.

“Melrose will now be open on Saturdays, Sundays and Mondays with Kelso opening on Fridays, Saturdays and Mondays all year round - covering peak visiting periods to the two towns.

“The Sunday opening in Melrose is a trial up to Christmas, as Sundays are generally a good trading day throughout the rest of the season for Melrose.

“The situation will be reviewed in January and a decision taken at that stage whether to continue with the Sunday opening throughout the rest of the winter or whether to 'exchange' Sunday opening for either Friday or Tuesday instead.

“Normal, full-time opening hours for Melrose and Kelso will be

resumed in time for Easter 2007.

Melrose traders will discuss the decision at its next meeting.

And the issue is expected to be raised again at the December meeting of the Council.

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