Jack is concerned by the RBWM Council's decision to shut Windsor's Tourism Information Office abruptly and without informing residents.
The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead Liberal Democrat-led Council has closed Windsor’s Tourism Information Office abruptly and without informing residents.
The service offered friendly and knowledgeable face-to-face support and ticketing services for visitors and residents to popular local events and tourist services. The Royal Windsor information desk closed on 30 June and two staff were made redundant as part of the Liberal Democrat 2024/25 budget proposals, despite over 1,700 residents recently signing a petition against the threatened closure. Under a veil of secrecy, residents and visitors discovered the news from a notice pinned to the door.
The Windsor and Royal Borough Museum, visited by over 65,000 people annually, has also seen its hours slashed - only operating for four hours on Tuesdays. These closures in peak tourist season have left the community and tourists in a state of shock, compounded by the Council’s failure to properly communicate the changes.
Jack Rankin MP commented: "Tourism is vital to our local economy. With 12 million visitors to Windsor annually, it’s baffling that the Council can't sustain a single-room museum and tourist office in the heart of Windsor’s tourist centre".
“I’m deeply concerned that decisions are being taken that are damaging to Windsor by Maidenhead councillors in Maidenhead Town Hall."
“The negative impact this will have on our town’s businesses and tourist economy is worrying."
"Financial reasons are given for the closure, but the centre could sell Castle, Legoland, French Brother, Duck Tour tickets. It could run a small shop, selling gift cards, bookmarks, postcards etc.."
"The lack of imagination and action from Windsor’s Liberal Democrats councillors is simply not good enough. Windsor deserves much better from its local councillors."
Residents are encouraged to contact their local councillors to express their concern about this decision.
