CELEBRATIONS broke out as Bradford-on-Avon welcomed back its tourist information centre (TIC) on Tuesday, more than a year after it closed.

Eighteen months after the TIC in St Margaret’s Street closed due to financial difficulties, Mayor Alison Craddock reopened the renovated building, prompting scenes of jubilation from councillors and bystanders alike.

The TIC will include a tourist information office, a help desk, tea rooms and a waiting area for coach drivers – all of which will be bolstered by approximately 40 volunteers from around the town.

“We are starting a new era with the reopening of the TIC. The importance of this is vital to our town and I believe it can flourish for a long time,” said deputy mayor Laurie Brown.

“Tourism is the UK’s fastest growing industry and we have to harness that here. We are lucky it is such an idyllic spot but now we cannot rely on heavy industry to fuel the economy, so tourism is something we can work on. Having a TIC is a huge help to this.

“We are fully aware of the problems we experienced 18 months ago when the TIC closed but this time we have established a firmer footing. Financially we are stronger, more organised, transparent and with a better approach.

“I was involved when the TIC was taken over in Chippenham and that became very successful. I have seen the importance of these ventures and I am sure it can be great for the vibrancy of the town.”

The town council has rented the building for the next 12 years and the landlord, alongside the town council, has helped towards repairing the roof, re-plastering, painting and fixing the drainage.

The town’s new tourism officer Louella Curtis said: “It is a very exciting time. I am pretty sure there will not be a repeat of last time. It was a great way to kick-start this new adventure.

“We have a great, fully committed team with a lot of enthusiasm. The turnout from people was very impressive and they were very happy to see we finally have a TIC again and put the town on the map a bit more.”

For more information about the TIC, which is open seven days a week from 10am-4pm, email tic@bradfordonavon.co.uk