THE tourist information centre in Upton-upon-Severn is to move out of the high street in the next three months.

Despite some opposition, Malvern Hills District Council voted earlier this year to cut costs by moving the centre into the Heritage Centre at Upton’s historic Pepperpot.

This could save about £37,000 through reduced staffing costs and income from letting the vacated premises.

The council has now submitted a planning application for alterations to the heritage centre and hopes to move the tourist service in November.

Staff will be retained to work alongside new and existing volunteers and Councillor Phil Grove gave assurances that the service to visitors would not suffer.

“The heritage centre building was significantly improved in 2010,” he said.

“The council has set aside a capital budget to invest further in the building to ensure it provides a first-class tourist information service alongside the heritage centre.

“We are committed to ensuring that visitors to Upton have a warm welcome and an enjoyable visit to this beautiful riverside town.”

The decision continues to divide opinion.

Mike Ostick, vice-chairman of Upton Town Partnership, accepts that the council has to cut costs and believes this is the best possible solution.

He said: “Last year, the heritage centre had 9,000 visitors and the tourist information centre about 30,000. To put the two together in a prominent place close to the high street is a real magnet for visitors.” However, district councillor Roger Sutton feels the move is against the best interests of the town.

Coun Sutton opposed the original decision in February, calling for a delay of two years and an assessment of Upton’s economy at that point.

He called the move “one of the daftest decisions that the council has ever taken”.

“Upton is dependent on tourism and a proper tourist centre is crucial,” he said.

“It is the first thing people see and for many years has had a dedicated and professional staff who are doing a first-class job. I am yet to be convinced that service will be replicated in the Pepperpot.”