The closure of an information centre in Princes Risborough has been described as a "kick in the teeth for the town".

The Princes Risborough Information Centre, in Horns Lane, will close in January and will be replaced with a counter situated in the town library.

Mayor and chairman of the council, Alan Turner, said: "We weren’t consulted on this as a town council. Two of the ward councillors at Wycombe District Council were not consulted, neither were any of the organisations in the town.

"We’re obviously upset about it. I think it’s a huge mistake and it’s another kick in the teeth for the town.

"Unfortunately I think it’s gone too far for us to be able to get the decision reversed as they have cancelled the lease now."

He confirmed that a number of organisations in the town, including the WI and Risborough Area Residents' Association were writing letters of complaint to Wycombe District Council about the controversial move.

At the meeting of the Town Council on Tuesday, councillors agreed they would also send a letter to WDC.

Councillor Turner said: "We will write a letter, on one account because of the loss of it. It is a loss because it’s only being replaced with one small counter in the library.

"It was in a prominent position before. Secondly, because of the lack of consultation on the matter."

He continued: "We’ve worked great wonders with all the other organisations in town. By regenerating the town centre, we’ve brought it right up to speed and then something like this happens and it knocks you back."

Councillor John Coombs said: "We try to make this town as accommodating as possible, we want to encourage people to come here and go walking and cycling, making it a destination point rather than just somewhere to move through and then they go and close the tourist information office.

"It’s absolutely ridiculous."

Resident Elspeth Sewell said: "Risborough area council tax payers contribute a great deal of money for local services.

"Many residents do not have access to either a car or the internet, there being a large number of people of retirement age in this area and this move will alienate them further from WDC.

"This office is extremely popular and well used by various groups for meetings and small exhibitions.

"It is also a destination for residents contacting WDC for many different purposes, including council tax queries, booking large waste collection, bus passes and booking tickets.

"The most vulnerable members of our town who pay their bills through the office should not be expected to travel to the main council offices in Wycombe when the service they have had here has been so good."

Tony Davies, chairman of Risborough Area Residents' Association, said: "The community is very concerned over the closure of the Risborough Information Centre.

"As I understand it the decision by WDC has been taken without any reference to the elected Princes Risborough Town Council.

"What is the point of the Localism Act 2011 if district councils ignore the purpose of the act and fail to consult their local community representatives?"

Councillor Turner confirmed that the possibility of an alternative site for the tourist information centre is being looked into, but it is too early to say what will happen.