Market Cross in Wymondham

Plans to reduce opening hours at Wymondham Tourist Information Centre were approved last night, despite concerns about plans for a new touchscreen information point.

South Norfolk Council is proposing to halve the grant it gives to Wymondham Town Council for tourist information in the next financial year and pay for the installation of a screen that can be accessed 24 hours a day.

Members of the town council last night approved a recommendation to reduce opening hours at the TIC. However, they raised concerns that the proposed 24/7 touchscreen could be vandalised if it is placed outside in the town centre.

Town clerk Trevor Gurney said the council decided to review the opening hours of the TIC at the Market Cross after three of its four staff decided to retire.

He added that the town council would also be consulted on where South Norfolk Council planned to install the screen, which could cost up to £10,000.

John Turner said: “It is a waste of public money to spend money on a touchscreen when a traveller can get everything they need from a smartphone or other means.”

Andy Gardiner said it was likely the touchscreen would not survive the vandalism it is likely to receive on the first Friday after it is installed.

Under the changes, the Wymondham Town Council-run TIC will be open to tourists two days a week during the winter, instead of three, and the summer openings will be reduced from six days a week to four.

The district council is set to reduce its £8,000 a year grant to the town council for tourism to £4,000 in 2013/14 and withdraw it entirely the following year.