REBECCA Hudson's report in last week's Salisbury Journal (July 26) that staff at the tourist information centre were unhappy with the course of events regarding the move of their services to a 'community hub' in The Maltings prompted me to look back at the minutes of the Services Committee meeting at which the move was decided (June 25). I noted in the report used by this committee that, with regard to PERSONNEL (item 11.3.), the overall staffing arrangements have been previously agreed by committee.

No wonder the staff are upset. Any previous consultations of roles or location seem to have been left far in the wake of the original intention.

It is also of little wonder that many of us are unhappy with the situation. It would seem the integration of the two services (mobility centre and TIC) was proposed to ensure sustainability of both. This, on the surface, would seem a reasonable aim. However, to most of us, when the location was mooted, the flaw was immediately apparent - the TIC was not going to be easily visible particularly so when called a 'community hub'.

That has been solved - put someone at the Guildhall to hand out maps and direct to the cathedral or 'community hub'. That sounds reasonable? A visitor arriving in the city centre looks for a tourist information centre - we haven't got one - with a bit of luck he will arrive at the Guildhall and be directed to 'THE HUB'. That title is mentioned in Annex A to the previously mentioned report. Incidentally, according to a councillor at the Finance Committee which sanctioned the £35,000 of OUR money to finance this undesirable change 'The Hub' is just a stone's throw from the Guildhall - stronger arm than most of us !

One last thought – if I went to reception in a hotel, would I be directed to the garage/car park for more information?

Brian Ford

Bemerton Heath