NO decision has been made about whether tourist information posts in Bury will be axed, despite shoppers’ fears.

The council wants to change its approach to tourism so it can cut £89,000 from its annual £243,000 tourism-promotion budget.

But customers have voiced concern that three staff at Bury Art Gallery’s tourist information centre will be made redundant as part of the shake-up.

However, a council spokesman insisted that was not the case.

An independent study stated Bury earned £265 million in the 12 months up to April 2010 and that 2,669 of the borough’s workforce rely on attractions such as Bury Market and events like the Ramsbottom Festival and Prestwich Carnival. In a report to be considered by Bury’s Cabinet at its meeting at Ramsbottom Civic Hall next Wednesday, the council’s environment director Graham Atkinson said the council had to prioritise services it legally had to provide such as protecting vulnerable people, and that did not include tourism.

He added: “The remodelled work area will ensure the council continues to play a role in destination management and support Bury’s tourism economy, but that the package provides maximum value for money to the taxpayer.” The report recommends the council uses the internet and volunteer town ambassadors to attract tourists and continue to give grants to people putting on entertainment events that can go on to become self-financing.

The most controversial part of the shake-up could be the focus on the tourist information centre. The report says: “Instead of relying on a seven-day-a-week fixed point of delivery of tourist information, staff members and Bury ambassadors will be out and about in the local community, at tourist attractions and at events to provide information and advice to visitors about current and future planning activity.”

Eddie Summerfield, of Greymont Road, Limefield, Bury, said he was extremely shocked to learn the three tourist information workers could lose their jobs.

He added: “For many years, these three ladies, with over 60 years service between them, have offered their very detailed local knowledge face to face. Can Bury Council not afford to keep them employed?”

The council’s leisure representative, Cllr Jane Lewis, said: “No decisions have yet been taken.

“The Cabinet is being asked to approve a period of consultation, during which any views expressed by employees, residents, tourist attractions and businesses are invited.”

l Letters: Page 14