Ulverston TIC - some answers

Here is the exact situation.

An immediate response was received from one of our councillors:

"This all sounds very odd and it's the first I've heard of it.

I have no idea why TIC staff would be telling people they're not allowed to provide tourist information, but what I do know is (a) the management of the Coro and TIC is entirely the responsibility of SLDC at the moment and the town council has no say in what happens and (b) SLDC has not consulted with the town council about making any changes to the TIC.

You will get an explanation from whoever is the manager responsible for the Coro at SLDC. I don't know whose brief this is, I'm afraid. You could try asking David Phillips at the Coro if he knows what is happening and who his line manager is.

Any major decisions about the future of the Coro would have to go to SLDC cabinet, and as far as I know that hasn't happened."

I await futher explanations from SLDC manager of the Coro, David Philips and the reaction of concerned councillors, The Ulverston Town Council and our SLDC district councillors.

Let's hope a dreadful mistake has been made and that 'normal service will be resumed immediately'.

There's no harm in hoping!

Please join in by contacting your local councillors for their response.

Reply from Jayne Kendall:

Geoff
This does appear to be the case, as it is now just a box office. The office is only open as a box office to support the Coro. I think if people go in there and ask for info, they do try to help as I understand?  I am sure Jim and David will be able to provide a more comprehensive explanation, as it is run by SLDC as you know.
Thanks
Jayne

Town Clerk
Ulverston Town Council
Town Hall

Our town clerk is telling us that we in fact no longer have an official Tourist Information Centre

The implication is "we know and we can't do anything about it and possible don't care enough to do something."  

What do the rest of our councillors think especially those on the District Council - notably Cllr Helen Irving, Cllr Janette Jenkinson, Cllr James Airey, Cllr Mark Wilson and others. Also those concerned about the future of the Coronation Hall and the potential loss of very experienced tourist information staff: Cllrs Colin Pickthall, Judy Pickthall, Pat Jones, Norman Bishop-Rowe, Jane Harris, Margaret Hornby.  People who surely care about the future of our town as one that thrives from promoting Tourism.

District Councillor Janette Jenkinson received the following from SLDC Chief Executive, Lawrence Conway:

Dear Janette

Thank you for highlighting this to me.

Mr Dellow is incorrect about staff refusing to help.

From what I can ascertain from speaking to staff this morning, nothing is any different from how its been for some time.

A few months ago the sign outside that said TIC was covered up so that there was no doubt that it wasn’t a TIC, following an abusive episode from one member of the public.

When SLDC ceased providing all TIC services across the district some years ago, and provided what I think was 3 years of tapered funding for any group that wished to take them on, the staff at the CORO have continued informally giving information out about local sights, events and local hotels, because no local community group had taken on the responsibility for providing Tourist Information, as they have done elsewhere.

It would appear on the surface that there has been an acceptance by others, and SLDC allowing it to continue, that staff in the booking office doing all this informally would be adequate. They still use the leaflets they have in stock, but they have no ability to book accommodation or provide other tourist related services, and this informal service is all down to the staffs dedication to providing the best they can in the circumstances. It’s a booking office for the Coro.

In my view, it needs local direction and support. We can maybe help facilitate.

There is no evident intent to reverse the original decision. It was clearly felt the community that most benefits, e.g. the local businesses, should provide the service they feel they need. I can put you in touch with other community or business providers if required.

Best wishes

Lawrence