COUNCIL chiefs have performed a dramatic U-turn after deciding Newquay's Tourist Information Centre should remain in its current Marcus Hill home.

Restormel Borough Council, at a special policy and scrutiny committee meeting on Thursday, voted to keep the TIC at its current base.

The TIC – closed for three months – was set for a move to a smaller unit at the bus station, before the change of heart.

In a report to council members, Guy Thomas – Newquay town centre manager – said the Marcus Hill location had been "explored in more depth as it appears to better meet the identified needs".

Mr Thomas added: "It was clear that members felt the level of service would be degraded (if the TIC was to be moved to the bus station) and that the opportunities for raising independent revenue would be limited.

"The Marcus Hill site does provide a town centre location that is required and there is space and opportunities to raise revenue."

The planned move to the bus station was part of Restormel Borough Council's vision to streamline the service – with much of the booking of accommodation set to be done through the town's new website, www.visitnewquay.org

The Tourist Information Centre at the bus station would run with less staff, who would offer tourism services on the ground that the website could not offer.

However, the move was condemned by many members of Restormel Borough Council when first discussed in December. Conservative member for Newquay, Cllr Gary Redman, said: "I am pleased that officers have seen sense.

"The bus station site was not suitable.

"However, I raised several questions at the December meeting, as to why we were in this situation in the first place, and I have still not received any answers. My questions must be answered.

"We had a TIC that was operating in the town centre and doing a very good job before it's closure in October.

"If I don't get any answers to my questions than I shall report every member of the council's cabinet to the Standards Board for England because I feel you are withholding information."

The TIC was forced to close in October due to a funding shortfall. TIC directors said this was due to Restormel Borough Council only paying half of the £21,000 a year in grant money owed.

Restormel Council said they were "unable" to answer Cllr Redman's questions as they relate to the accounts of the TIC, which is a private company.

Cllr Norman Thompson said he was pleased that the TIC would soon be reopened. "Newquay without a Tourist Information Centre is like a pub with no beer," he said. "The bus station site doesn't compare to the current office." If approved by Restormel's full council and then by the cabinet later in January, the TIC would reopen in time for the start of the 2009 season.

Mr Thomas said the revamped TIC would employ one full-time member of staff and three permanent part-time members of staff.

Mike McLaren, TIC director, said: "Had Restormel Council) acted in a more open and honest manner then none of this messing around needed to have happened, and four people need not have lost their jobs before Christmas. They should hang their heads in shame."