To inform Members of the current position in respect to the relocation of the present Library at Homend, and Tourist Information Centre into new premises at The Masters House, St. Katherine’s, Ledbury.

Members were informed of the latest position on the relocation of the present Library and the Tourist Information Centre (TIC) into new premises at the Masters House, St. Katherine’s, Ledbury.

Two questions from members of the public had been received before the meeting. 

Ms. A. Blackmore, Ledbury Resident asked:

1.      “Would the Council confirm that in order for the TIC to perform the services efficiently and productively it needs to be sited in a prominent position.

2.      The current location is in the best position and we would prefer it remain there.  If Herefordshire Council are still considering moving the TIC into the Masters House would they confirm it will be prominently located in the entrance area? The other services such as library, council offices etc do NOT require such prominence.

3.      If this is not the case, would the Council consider retaining the TIC in the ground floor of The Browning Institute building.  This could have an entrance in the Homend – the upper floors could be rented out.  This building has been left in trust to Ledbury and should contain a prominent operation such as the TIC.  What would be the cost of rent for the ground floor space in this building? (It is understood that the rent is required to offset the maintenance of the building).

4.      The main reason for removing the TIC from its current location the Council has stated is the rental cost.  At present the building has occupants in the upper floors which must offset some of the rent.  What is the current rent for the TIC?”

Mr. R. Kretching, Ledbury resident asked:

“We are constantly being told that we live in the 4^th wealthiest nation in the world

Why therefore must the TIC in Ledbury be moved to a small area in the Masters House in a car park away from the Homend (a question of money?)

The current position of the TIC is the eye into Ledbury, where many tourists make it their first port of call to find out about the town.

Local artists and businesses use the windows to sell or promote their services.

It should not be a question of money whether to change the position of the TIC.

If you wish tourists to keep coming to Ledbury the TIC must be easily seen and accessible.

Most towns and cities have TICs which are easily seen.

Older residents who know the town and the Masters House tell me that they believe there is not sufficient space to occupy the library and TIC together with all the other services already there.

Your comments to us the residents of Ledbury would be greatly appreciated.”

The Acting Cultural Services Manager reported to the Committee that the current location of the library in Ledbury was contrary to the requirements of the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) due to a stepped entrance, narrow doorways and a further staircase within the building without a lift.

She explained that, subject to listed building consent, the library was set to relocate in part to the Masters House in December 2005 or January 2006.  However, this was only a temporary move as a Heritage Lottery bid (HLF) was being submitted to facilitate the complete relocation of the library.  If the HLF bid failed investigations would be made into funding the relocation through the Council’s capital programme.

Regarding the TIC, the Acting Cultural Services Manager explained that the current lease on the building in which the TIC was located was set to expire in two years time.  She explained that the relocation of the TIC to the Masters House would provide an improved service in an historic setting which could become one of Ledbury’s foremost tourist attractions in its own right.  The TIC would have its own separate entrance, on the doctor’s surgery side of the building, and signage from the town centre would be provided.  The TIC may also be able to extend its opening hours, as the centralisation of services in the Masters House would allow greater flexibility with staff.

If the TIC were to relocate to the Browning Institute it was not possible to ascertain the costs of relocating as the building was not owned by the Council.  It would also not be possible to have window displays if the TIC relocated to the Browning Institute, unlike at the Masters House where the window displays would continue.

Mr. P. Oar, Ledbury resident highlighted the example of Yeovil TIC which had relocated away from a town centre location, and was reporting major reductions in the number of visitors it received as no one knew where to find it.

The Cabinet Member (Community Services) explained to the Committee that he believed that the Masters House would become one of the best tourist attractions in Ledbury.   If the TIC relocated to the Masters House it would still be accessible from the high street and the new location would be well signposted.  Although local artists might benefit from being able to display their work in the window of the current TIC this was not a principal function of a TIC and not a facility that the Council was obliged to provide.

In closing the item the Chairman stated that the Committee would investigate progress on the issue again in the future and that the issue of signage to the TIC would be passed onto the Chairman of the Environment Scrutiny Committee.

RESOLVED: That the plans for the relocation of both the Library and the Tourist Information Centre in Ledbury be noted.