TAVISTOCK'S tourist Information centre is moving to new smaller premises to save costs — but there will be no changes to the service, West Devon Borough Council this week confirmed.

Planning permission was granted last week for the change of use of the Court Gate Shop in Bedford Square to a TIC. The move will take place in the next couple of weeks.

Meanwhile, the existing TIC in the pannier market complex will become an outdoor clothing store run by Tony Ross, who has had a stall in the pannier market for some time. Both premises are owned by Tavistock Town Council.

Tourism officer for the borough council, Nadine Trout, said the reason behind the move was to make savings on the revenue budget, as the rent would be considerably less on the new shop.

'We are going to be offering the same service as the existing information centre with a booking service, visitor information and a small selection of retail items,' she said.

'There are no plans to cut staff and the opening hours will be the same.

'It will be business as usual just at a different premises and in time we hope to offer a better service including out of hours information and an orientation facility for the world heritage site.'

The council plans to have interpretation boards, finger posts and interactive information directing people to sites of interest in Tavistock and the world heritage area, like Morwellham Quay.

The tourism officer said TICs were greatly valued for the part they played in improving the economic development of the area.

'Between Tavistock and Okehampton TICs, £45,000 worth of bookings are generated each year so we realise their value,' she said.

The Court Gate shop has been empty since before Christmas but prior to that it was occupied by a photographer and an antique merchant.

Tavistock town clerk Roger Howard said the town council was very supportive of the TIC and gave a grant towards the running of it each year.

'This way both the town council and the borough are gaining, because West Devon is downsizing to save the money and we now have a larger retail premises which will encourage more people to come in and shop in the pannier market,' he said.