Well, Grange-over-Sands has seen it this way. . . and dealt with it.
The future of their Tourist Information Centre was put under threat over a year ago with a dead line of September 2009. (Our dead line is March 2011.)
Since then their organisation has totally changed.
There has been a strong response from their Town Council and local people to run an effective TIC - and it has happened.
30 volunteers man 14, 3 hour shifts to cover the full 7 day week, 10 am till 4 pm.
They are supported by a paid former information officer from the previous set up; by several Town Council office staff as required who oversee the general wellbeing of the Centre. They take care of the servicing of the web site, the bookings of the Hall and one imagines the provision of sales and leaflets in the office.
Grange, unlike Ulverston, has the strength that it owns its Victoria Hall where the TIC, council offices, Council Chamber and Halls are situated.
The TIC has strong backing from:
the Councillors who authorised an increase in the precept (included in the rates) which helps to support the TIC costs.
the office staff as well as the accounting and web site maintenance roles also support fundraising activities such as a recent Cross Bay Walk in their own free time.
the public supply a reliable group of volunteers.
there's a tremendous community team spirit that is impressive from every level of the operation.
Well done Grange.
A survey of the town early last year found that the town residents were strongly behind the concept of promoting tourism in Grange. A situation that may not be echoed in Ulverston though many are proud to see themselves as The Festival Town of Cumbria.
Our Ulverston Town Council do not appear as involved as their counterparts in Grange. They prefer to hand over the task to the Ulverston Community Partnership (UCP)- this is not to say that the Town Council are opting out and could still be very supportive.
The comparison with Grange indicates that the UCP have a mountain to climb:
1. They will not own the offices in the Coro.
2. Finding 30 volunteers remains to be seen - volunteering may be already stretched with all the charities already operating in the town. Grange may have a higher proportion of retired people with time on their hands.
3. Is the town council willing to increase the precept?
4. The proximity and availability of Town Council office staff could be a problem.
Interesting and important times ahead.
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