Long-serving officer bids farewell to Diss Tourist Information Centre which will be relocated

A former long-serving officer at the Diss Tourist Information Centre (TIC) has said the past few weeks have been 'upsetting and stressful' after it was announced the centre was to be relocated.

Doreen Collins, who has worked at the centre by the Mere since it opened in October 1989, has seen her post go as plans to move it to the Corn Hall next year, when refurbishment works are complete, gather pace.

The centre will close at its current location on December 31.

Mrs Collins, whose last day was on Monday, said: 'It has been an upsetting and stressful time but it was good to know that our expertise has been appreciated by so many.

'Unfortunately the provision and promotion of tourism is not a statutory requirement which seems bizarre when it is constantly stated that tourism is the fastest growing industry in the UK.'

Currently run by South Norfolk Council, the TIC will be passed to Diss Town Council.

The councils have defended the decision and have said the relocation is key to delivering the £3.1m Heritage Triangle Project, involving the Corn Hall renovation work, which they said will bring more people to the town.

Mrs Collins said she had hoped to say on over the winter months as a relief officer for staff holiday and sickness but her offer was declined by South Norfolk Council.

She added: 'A big thank you to all the residents and visitors who have supported the tourist information centre over the years and more importantly the last few weeks.

'The Centre is not the first or indeed will not be the last to close but I have felt privileged to have been associated with the office since it opened in October 1989.

'The thousands of visitors, from all over the world, have been appreciative of the information and advice they have received which in turn has helped to support the local economy.'