The future of a Tourist Information Centre on the coast remains unknown but the office will close this month.

Discussions between Dorset Council and Lyme Regis Town Council are still ongoing regarding the future of the TIC in the town.

Dorset Council, which runs the service, was told the TIC would have to leave the town council offices after discussion between the two councils broke down with the town council wanting to refurbish the building and make use of the ground floor.

Due to refurbishment of the town council building, Dorset Council will vacate and close the Lyme Regis TIC office by the end of August. Visitor information can still be accessed during this time by calling 01297 442138, emailing LTIC@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk or the webform on the Lyme Regis TIC webpage on the Dorset Council website.

As a result of the pandemic, all TICs closed - as well as council offices - at the start of lockdown, which caused discussions to be paused for the councils to focus on other priorities, but they have now recommenced.

TICs will remain closed for the time being as Dorset Council focuses on re-opening critical services. TIC teams are currently helping support the council’s Covid-19 response to support communities.

John Wright, town clerk at Lyme Regis Town Council, said: “Lyme Regis Town Council is in active discussions with Dorset Council regarding the future of local information services in Lyme Regis.

“While no decisions have been made about how or where these services may be delivered, both councils are working together to find a sustainable outcome which will benefit the whole town and provide access to key local information.”

A public consultation on the future of the TIC received more than 1,000 responses, with more than 400 not wanting any change to the way the service is operated.

Councillor Tony Alford, portfolio holder for customer, community and regulatory services, Dorset Council said: “We would like to thank local residents, businesses, organisations and visitors to Lyme Regis for sharing their views about how any changes to the current Tourist Information Centre would affect them.

“The discussions which are taking place between Dorset Council and Lyme Regis Town Council very much centre on feedback from the public consultation and the many suggestions put forward.

“We value everyone’s input and would like to thank everyone for sharing their views which are being used to shape and inform the future of local information services in Lyme Regis.”

Read the consultation report at dorsetcouncil.gov.uk