The future of council-run Tourist Information Centres are under consideration again.

Dorset Council runs three centres – in Dorchester (operating from the library), Sherborne and Wareham – as all other TICs in Dorset are provided by other organisations and volunteers following a shake-up a few years ago.

Now the council is considering whether it should continue funding its TICs separately, or whether the service could be provided in another way – going online or run by town councils or other organisations.

While TICS are a traditional way to provide face-to-face service for visitors and residents, it is claimed their use has dropped with recent developments in technology, especially online information.

Dorset Council has launched a consultation to help develop the future of the centres. It wants to know how and why residents use TICs, and the value of these services.

The council says the pandemic has highlighted how people need more information and advice about their local area. It has worked closely with town and parish councils, and wants to build on these efforts when delivering local information in the future.

The three TICs were closed to the public earlier in the year as the pandemic took hold and lockdown restrictions introduced. Although employees were not in the office, they remained available from Monday to Saturday to provide services.

The TICs re-opened for face to face services this month.

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.”

The survey, which runs until November 29, should take around 5 to 10 minutes to complete online. You can request it in another format by calling 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 next year.

Take the survey at www.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/TIC-consultation