A new home for a Tourist Information Centre for Weymouth is on offer, a businessman says.

It comes as leader of Weymouth and Portland Borough Council Jeff Cant says it may be time to 'take a fresh look at the borough’s tourism information strategy'.

Mike Ellery, who manages the School Street Plaza at the former Colwell Centre, says he has written to all borough councillors making the offer of an area within the centre for a TIC – but has so far only heard back from one councillor.

He said: “It’s now up to them. We’re offering the space and a few basics such as shelving, if they want to come and talk about staffing and other aspects I am happy to help...the cost of setting it up wouldn’t be much.”

Mr Ellery says that he had previously approached Weymouth Business Improvement District (BID) but was rejected because the centre has planning permission for conversion to flats.

“If the flats do come about it wouldn’t be difficult to move the tourist centre. At least we would have something for this summer,” said Mr Ellery.

“At the moment I think we’re the only main town in Dorset which doesn’t have a tourist information centre.”

The only councillor to have replied to his offer so far is the borough council's leisure and tourism briefholder Cllr Richard Kosior, who says the offer is a welcome one and could work – if funding can be found.

Cllr Kosior said: “It sounds like a good idea; judging by what residents say a new centre need not be on the beach. I have responded to Mr Ellery and told him that, personally I support his idea in principle, but our current policy is that we can no longer afford to open and staff a TIC.

“I hope the town’s traders back Mr Ellery if they believe it will enhance their businesses.”

The borough council changed its approach to providing tourist offices in 2013, instead supporting the establishment of a new TIC at the Heights Hotel on Portland, and a network of tourist information points in Weymouth.

The TIC on Weymouth seafront was closed amid a public outcry.

Council leader Cllr Jeff Cant says he would welcome taking a fresh look at the borough’s tourism information strategy.

He told the borough council Management Committee: “Perhaps we should now reflect on this and see if we can find funding for a new TIC.

“We need to encourage more year-round tourism.”