www.easingwold.gov.uk/minutes/0607.htm -
[Cached Version]
Published on: 7/1/2006
Last Visited: 4/18/2007
The Chairman introduced Mr. David Shields, Tourism Manager, Hambleton District Council, who explained the background to funding and management of Tourist Information points in Hambleton.As further cuts were likely for next year, he was trying to talk to local groups about the feasibility of the community funding and running its local Tourist Information point.He explained some other options for provision of tourist information and provided information about the current cost of running the Easingwold facility, quoting annual costs of £2,969, including a business rate of £1,267, for which there might be relief if the Tourist Information Centre were set up as a charity or trust.The meeting was reminded of the economic importance given to tourism in the Local Development Framework.
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Mr Shields suggested that a better income could be raised from acting as a local ticketing agency.
Mr Shields undertook to feed back information on whether any management and steering committees had acquired charitable status.It emerged that insurance of the volunteers, the premises and against the provision of misinformation would also fall to the individual centre, although no figure was available as to costs.
Mr. Shields confirmed that the District Council would consider making the building available if a local funding package could be put together.The suggestion that the centre could encourage young people by providing experience to students on tourism courses was favourably received.Asked about an alternative network for Tourist Information Centres if Yorkshire Tourist Board was too bureaucratic, Mr. Shields confirmed that networking could be provided by continuing the monthly meetings for volunteer managers and TICs would still have a role in the Area Partnerships.
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Mr. Johnstone-Banks would supply details of the package proposed and Mr Shields confirmed the Tourism Section at Hambleton District Council would be willing to provide any information needed.