Wycombe District Council have defended their plans to move the Princes Risborough Information Centre, promising that it will still ‘continue to serve the local community and visitors well.’

The Information Centre, in its current location on Horns Lane, is due to close to the public at 5pm on Friday, December 12.

From Tuesday, December 16, the Information Centre will be permanently based in the same building as Princes Risborough’s Library in Bell Street.

The Information Centre will be relocated in a bid to cut costs. Wycombe District Council have insisted that by making savings on the running costs of the centre, it has secured its future in the town.

Most of the services currently provided by the Information Centre will continue after its relocation, including dealing with benefit and housing enquiries and document verification, but it will no longer process new benefit or housing claim applications or administer National Express tickets, day trip and holiday bookings.

A statement from Nick Sykes, Wycombe District Council said: “The move into new premises is part of Wycombe District Council's budget saving measures. The move will allow the Horns Lane site to be released for a new business, adding to the popular towns retail offer.

“The Bell Street shared location of the Library and the Information Centre is conveniently located for residents and visitors to Princes Risborough, still being in the centre of town and close to other shops and facilities.

“By moving to shared premises, the Council is not only delivering cost savings for local people but also maintaining a central location so it can continue to serve both the local community and visitors well. Bell Street will provide an excellent combination of facilities for Princes Risborough.”

The decision to move the information centre caused controversy among residents and town councillors alike when the decision was announced last month.

Resident, Elspeth Sewell, said: “I am very unimpressed about the loss of the Risborough Office especially as it hits the most vulnerable members of our community who use it to access council services.

“The town is needing a place to relocate the post office and apparently also the police office so they could surely all be located conveniently in this one building which would solve many town conundrums. On top of this there has been no consultation on this which is disgusting. I am a council tax payer and should have been consulted.”

Tony Davies, Chairman of the Risborough Area Residents Association, said: “Risborough is a gateway to the Chilterns AONB and the Information Centre is used actively by tourists and residents alike. It is in a prime location opposite M&S food store and clearly the decision has been taken on cost grounds only with, it seems, no attempt by WDC to find other solutions in discussion with the community.”

Mayor and Chairman of the Council, Alan Turner said: “We weren’t consulted on this as a town council. We’re obviously upset about it. I think it’s a huge mistake and it’s another kick in the teeth for the town.“