Dorset Council is about to launch a consultation to help develop the future of its Tourist Information Centres (TICs).
COVID-19 has highlighted how people need more information and advice about their local area, including services and support. During this time, we have worked closely with town and parish councils, strengthening the work we do together. We want to build on these efforts when delivering local information in the future.
The three centres – based in Dorchester, Sherborne and Wareham – were closed to the public earlier in the year as the pandemic took hold and lockdown restrictions were introduced. Although employees were not in the office, they remained available from Monday to Saturday to provide services.
Last week, the TICs re-opened for face to face service with appropriate COVID-19 safety measures in place to protect both customers and employees.
All other TICs in Dorset are currently provided by other organisations and volunteers.
TICs are a traditional way to provide face-to-face service for visitors and residents. However, their use has dropped with recent developments in technology, especially online information.
We want to know how and why Dorset residents use TICs, and the value of these services to you. We also want to know if you think we should continue funding TICs separately, or whether the service could be provided in another way.
The survey should take around 5 to 10 minutes to complete online, or you can request it in another format by contacting Tracy McGregor on 01305 224458. Paper copies of the survey will be available in the three TICs.
The results will be considered before any final decisions about TICs are taken. It is expected that the council’s Cabinet will make a decision during 2021.
Take the survey at www.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/TIC-consultation from Monday 19 October to Sunday 29 November 2020. The link will go live from Monday morning.
Cllr Jill Haynes, Dorset Council Portfolio Holder for Customer, Community and Regulatory Services, said:
“Before we make any long-term decisions around our Tourist Information Centres, it’s important for us to measure the importance these services hold with Dorset residents and how people choose to access this information nowadays.
Whether you represent a business or you’re an individual who uses these facilities, either frequently or once in a blue moon, we want to know your views.
I would encourage as many people as possible to fill out the online survey as soon as you can. It doesn’t take long and will help us when we come to review the provision of TICs in the future. Thank you in advance for your participation.”
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