Amble TIC closure announcement
Amble’s Tourist Information Centre has closed
Amble Tourist Information Centre will not reopen this Easter. Active Northumberland, who are in charge of the TICs has taken the decision saying they are looking for alternative arrangements regarding tourism information in the town.
“Active Northumberland are coming out of retail, they do not want to be in direct competition with businesses on the high street,” said a spokeswoman for Active Northumberland. “We are working with businesses to try to provide an offer.”
The Ambler understands that the building itself may move ownership under a community asset transfer, but this has not yet been finalised. It is the intention of Active Northumberland that whoever does eventually take over the building, whether by asset transfer or sale, would provide some tourism offer for the town.
A poster displayed in the TIC building in Amble’s town square cited economic constraints as reason for the closure.
The public toilets adjacent to the TIC will be part of the asset transfer, but will remain open as usual.
The Duke and Duchess of Gloucester unveiled a plaque to commemorate their visit to Amble in 1997.
“Only 7% of tourists to Northumberland come into a TIC, most people book accommodation and tickets online before they get here,” said the spokeswoman.
“In the meantime people will be able to access leaflets and information from the library, although we accept that is not the ideal location long term.”
A plaque to commemorate their visit to Amble in 1997 was unveiled by the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester, and is situated on the side of the building.
Anna Williams
Might be an idea if the new owner looks at the TIC in Thirsk which is run entirely by volunteers and has won awards for the good job they do. This would help provide a good service to residents and visitors
It would be a great idea to turn this into a museum and local tourist information