Information point waiting game

We visited the point last week in an impromptu survey on the town's latest move to help our tourist trade and we're still waiting for help.

From January 1 Lurgan’s Tourist Information Point moved to the town hall, having been previously located in the Lurgan Forward offices.

At the time of the MAIL’s visit the Tourist Information Point was unmanned and the disabled access at the front was locked.

A bell is available for assistance, however the 'MAIL' rang the bell twice and waited approximately 15 minutes for assistance but none appeared, despite movement being heard from the floor above.

With regeneration of the town centre being planned, and potentially bringing more visitors to the town, the Information Point should be seen as a valuable asset to many new visitors.

In July 2009 Council members reviewed the location of the Information Point in order to increase visitor footfall, with a number of locations being considered including, the Post Office, Lurgan Library, offices of Lurgan Forward and the town hall.

The town hall was chosen because of its visible location and historical value as a listed building, as well as the extensive opening hours of the building including Saturday and the availability and interest of staff to deal with tourism enquires.

When approached about the move to the town hall and the less than quick service a council spokesperson said: "In much the same way as Lurgan Forward operated as a tourist information point Lurgan Town Hall has now assumed these responsibilities and is there to provide tourist literature and to help with a basic level of enquiries.

"There are a number of reasons why the town hall is ideally positioned to be a tourist information point: It is a listed building with a high number of users; It has extensive opening hours; The Tourist Information Point has the potential to develop the Town Hall as a key orientation point for Lurgan."

The Tourist Information Point panels were installed days prior to Christmas and some minor adjustments and staff briefing sessions are currently being finalised.

She went on: "The town hall staff are looking forward to working with members of the public both locally and from further afield. The disabled lift was not working one morning as the lock had frozen solid due to the adverse weather conditions. However, staff are now checking the lift on a daily basis."