DORCHESTER’S Tourist Information Centre (TIC) must not be replaced by an unstaffed Tourist Information Point (as mentioned in the Echo report, August 2).

What a crazy idea.

Our TIC service is a most valuable asset not just for tourists and other regional visitors but also for local people. I use it regularly.

The TIC displays loads of attractive information about the area and provides facilities for transport bookings, ticket sales for events and car parking permits just to mention some of its activities.

Together with a wealth of information to answer customers’ questions face to face. A first-class service.

The staff are efficient, switched-on and friendly, too.

That human touch is paramount in such an operation. It’s a people business and not a remote call centre.

If the TIC has to move from Antelope Walk to a new location to save on costs then the Dorchester Library is the best home on offer.

And it should be very visible, on the ground floor and given a goodly amount of space I, and I am sure the 170,000 people who use the TIC each year, would ask West Dorset District Council to forget all about some ghastly “Information point” which, even if used, would drive potential customers bonkers.

Keep the current cheery TIC human beings who are so committed to flying the flag for Dorchester in exemplary fashion.

Ron Kirby

Dorchester