Madam,

It seems to defy all logic that, when implementing cuts, Plaid-controlled Gwynedd Council should target sections which support the local economy as well as providing jobs and services to local people.Since Harlech TIC was closed by Snowdonia National Park Authority recently, Barmouth is now our local tourist office. They sell train tickets, support local businesses, especially those relating to the accommodation and catering sectors, and give friendly advice on all manner of local information. They positively support local trade by encouraging tourists to remain in the area, swim at Harlech pool, take their children to local farms and play barns, eat and shop locally, use local camp sites and other facilities.

It is a myth to say that, when people use technology, they do not use tourist offices. In Barmouth, not surprisingly after recent closures elsewhere, tourist enquiries are rising.

Hopefully, councillors will ensure that this threatened blow to our area does not go ahead. The job losses involved will be considerable, further affecting our economy. I understand that only two per cent of Gwynedd’s residents took part in the Gwynedd Challenge and, appallingly, few community councils.

To close the few remaining TICs would affect far more than two per cent of the population.

Yours etc

Rosy Berry

Llanfair.