MONMOUTH Assembly Member Nick Ramsay has given his backing to a vigorous campaign to keep local tourist information centres open and manned in their existing form.

Responding to constituents who said they were disturbed to learn of the possible closure of the three tourist offices in Monmouthshire – Monmouth, Abergavenny and Chepstow – Nick said he shared their concern.

"It is not just the total closure of all the offices that is the issue, rather a move towards unmanned, computer-based offices. I have made my objection to this clear and will continue to argue for the continuation of the existing system. "

He added: "I think we are very well served by the existing TICs and their excellent staff.

"It is difficult to gauge how much money comes into the county as a result of the hard work of all involved but I imagine it is substantial.

"We have, of course, been in a recession so I would not be surprised if numbers attending the offices have fallen in recent times, but that is not to say they won't pick up.

"As we come out of the recession, I believe tourism will play an increasingly important role and TICs will be a driving force for the local economy," he said.

Assembly Member Veronica German has also spoken of her concerns regarding Monmouthshire Council's proposals for their Tourist Information Centres.

"It is being argued that more people are using the internet to find information about the area, therefore the Council considers investment in technology offering better value for money.

"I am not convinced that the council's proposals are the right way to go. Tourism is an integral and important part of Monmouthshire's economy and I believe that technology should complement the tourist information centres rather than replace them," said Ms German.

"I am worried about the economic impact that the Council's proposals could have in the area. Monmouthshire is a leading tourism destination and we want to encourage the growth of the industry.

"Local businesses and traders rely on the Tourist Information Centres to help provide them with custom and are therefore rightly nervous about the council's proposals. This needs to be looked at again," she added.