WEST Dorset MP Sir Oliver Letwin has become the latest person to lend his support to Dorchester's Tourist Information Centre.

A strong campaign of support has emerged for the TIC since West Dorset District Council revealed proposals to either relocate the Antelope Walk facility to Dorchester Library or replace it with an unmanned information point.

The council is currently consulting on the proposals, with the consultation closing on Tuesday, October 11.

Sir Oliver was contacted by district councillor Nigel Bundy, who has been among those campaigning for the TIC to remain either where it is or to move to a suitable alternative.

The MP's response to Cllr Bundy was: "I do see the advantage of having a TIC in Dorchester and I very much hope that WDDC will be able to find a way of accommodating a new centre on a full and sustainable basis either in the library or elsewhere.

"I believe that this would be preferable to having an unstaffed tourist information point – and I hope that businesses in Dorchester and Dorchester Town Council may be able and willing to make a contribution to a solution along these lines."

Chairman of the Dorchester BID (Business Improvement District) John Fiori also spoke out on the subject at the BID's annual general meeting.

He said the council should meet with the BID, Chamber for Business and other interested parties to look at other options for the future of the TIC.

Mr Fiori said: "I think the time has come for West Dorset District Council to think about what the public wants for a change.

"I think they should sit down with the BID, the Chamber and the town council and other parties and discuss at length the alternatives that are around for the TIC."

A petition set up by traders in Antelope Walk, where the TIC is currently situated.

Anyone wishing to have their say as part of the consultation exercise can also visit dorsetforyou.com/DorchesterTICconsultation before next Tuesday.