THE DECISION to close Dolgellau’s tourist information centre has been described as “devastating” by a local councillor.

Following on from the news of the magistrates’ court closure, the town was hit with another hammer blow when Snowdonia National Park Auth­ority announced it would not be reopening the town’s tourist information facility.

Tourism is crucial to the region’s economy, especially with tens of thousands of visitors flocking to the area to make use of the iconic Mawddach Trail, which starts in Dolgellau before skirting the estuary until it terminates at Barmouth Bridge.

However, as the SNPA looks to cut another £423,000 from its budget, the town’s tourist information centre has been axed in order to save funds.

Town councillor John Raghoobar is devastated by the latest developments and has pointed the finger at local politicians.

“It’s always sad to lose facilities and jobs, especially in rural areas such as Dolgellau where opportunities can be few and far between,” Cllr Raghoobar told the Cambrian News.

Read the full story in this week’s Meirionnydd edition