THE future of a tourist information service for Tavistock now seems secure, after a local business has agreed to house an information 'self help' desk.

It was announced last year that due to budget cuts, West Devon Borough Council had to axe its financial support to the Tourist Information Centre in Tavistock, which employed three staff.

The borough council was the main contributor to the TIC, with funds also being received from the town council. Cutting this support would save around £50,000 a year —the contract with the centre is due to end by March.

Last year the borough council appealed to businesses in the area and community groups and residents to join forces and discuss what the future held for the TIC.

But now, the owner of the post office and Spar shop on Abbey Place has agreed to house the service as a way of 'giving something back to the town'.

Ravi Jhangiani, director of Ekraj, the limited company which owns the business, said: 'I didn't want the town to lose the service. This is our way of giving something back to the town.

'We have several people who work here who live in Tavistock and it would be nice for Tavistock to not lose it tourist information centre, as it's an important part of the town.'

Lisa Wadling, manager of Tavistock BID (Business Immprovement District), said: 'BID has been working alongside West Devon Borough Council and Ravi at the Post Office, who has agreed to take it on.

'There will be a purpose-built section within the Spar shop, and it will be self service, and the staff will be trained to answer any questions.

'We at BID think it's great.

'People will be able to have a location which is well known — it is great that Ravi is willing to do this.'

Cllr Robert Oxborough, West Devon Borough Council's community services chairman, said: 'The borough council has been working with Tavistock BID, local businesses and organisations for some time to find a new way to provide tourist information for the town.

'I'm delighted with the outcome and believe locating tourist information alongside the town's main post office could have real benefits.

'This is an innovative project in challenging times and I think it will provide a first class service for Tavistock.'

It is hoped to have the 'self help' tourist desk up and running by April this year.