WITH the Abergavenny Tourist Information Centre's (TIC) future in doubt the town's tourist association say the centre is a vital part of the town that can not be replaced by a computer.

Vice Chair of Abergavenny & District Tourist Association Jenny Taylor-Jones said members were "flabbergasted" to learn of the closure threat to the Abergavenny Tourist Information Office - a threat they believe could become a reality very soon subject to the findings of the current consultation process.

Monmouthshire County Council is reviewing the county's three tourist information centres as national and international trends show an increasing shift towards web-based tourist information services.

Mrs Taylor-Jones said, "Tourism is the very backbone of our economy, the finance generated oils the wheel that keeps our town buzzing and busy and the TIC is an essential, if not vital, cog in that wheel. 

"The positioning of the TIC  is perfect for visitors arriving by bus or train and it is extremely easy to find and to park for  the car visitor.   The staff are extremely well versed in what is happening in and around town and during the season spend seven days at week helping our visitors with their endless queries.

"It is proposed that digital machinery can take their place - we disagree."

The association has raised concerns that not all visitors are computer savvy and could be put off from visiting the town if they have to tackle a computer beforehand to gather information.

"In our opinion a machine cannot replace a friendly face with real people giving a warm Welsh welcome and sharing their vast expertise in a human form," adds Mrs Taylor-Jones.

"In these difficult times we cannot afford to loose a single tourist, we rely so heavily on the money they spend in and around town, the market, restaurants, hotels, pubs, shops, accommodation providers etc. 

"It is in the interest of all our townsfolk to keep the tourists coming and from that point of view we are asking you to help us keep our tourist office. 

"Please sign the petitions you will see all over town and we will do our best to sway the consultation committee, if you will take the time to write to Monmouthshire County Council that will help us further."

Meanwhile, Assembly Member for South Wales East Veronica German, questioned First Minister Carwyn Jones AM about the proposals by MCC to axe the TICs.

Whilst acknowledging the decision was ultimately down to the county council, the First Minister agreed with Ms German that, "there is no doubt that having a tourist information office on-site is extremely useful."

Ms German, said, "Tourist Information Centres are a place where visitors can see a friendly face from the local community who can explain what is happening, where and when. I am pleased that the First Minister shares my concerns and acknowledges that web-based services are often not an appropriate substitute. The campaign to fight the council's proposals really has gathered momentum recently and I hope that the council will listen to the concerns of the people of Monmouthshire.

"The Welsh Liberal Democrats are trying to ensure that we use every avenue possible to make sure that members of the public are aware of the Consultation that is on going.  That includes Press articles, websites and using social media such as Facebook and Twitter.

"In talking to tourism based businesses across Monmouthshire they are all concerned that our Tourist Information Centres and the personal service that they provide could disappear in a puff of technology, hence the Facebook campaign to 'Save our Tourist Information Centres'.

"I personally believe that modern technology should be used to complement our TICs, not replace them.'

The consultation period started on Monday,January 10 with submissions needing to be in by midday on Friday, February 18.