The community takeover of Kirkby Stephen Tourist Information Centre is all set to go ahead before the busy Easter Holiday Period and the Kirkby Stephen and Brough Classic Commercial Vehicle Rally.
Eden District Council’s Executive this week agreed a two week licence that will enable the Upper Eden Community Interest Company to start operating from the premises and open the new Upper Eden Visitors Centre, a formal lease is due to be signed within the two week period.
Councillor Malcolm Smith, Eden District Council Planning and Economy Portfolio Holder, said: “I am delighted that we have been able to facilitate a speedy handover of the premises in Kirkby Stephen on a licensed basis in time for the Easter holidays and the Classic Commercial Vehicle Rally.
“This venture is being well supported by the local community, with 36 expressions of interest from local people wishing to volunteer in the Centre and there will also be a paid manager to help develop and coordinate the service. There is a willingness and commitment from both the Upper Eden group and EDC to continue to work together to assist in the provision of tourism information. I wish Upper Eden Community Interest Company every success for the future.”
Eden District Council is supporting the Upper Eden Community Interest Company’s Upper Eden Visitors Centre with:
A grant of £6K per year for three years to cover the rental on the premises.
Exclusive use of the centrally located building in Market Square Kirkby Stephen.
Surplus equipment including telephone and till and fixtures and fittings.
Over £3.5K of sales stock, maps and books etc, which are related to the local area, which the community interest group are able to sell and retain the profit.
The Upper Eden Visitors Centre is a joint project between the Upper Eden Community Plan (UCEP), Kirkby Stephen Town Forum, Kirkby Stephen Town Council, Kirkby Stephen Walkers are Welcome and Upper Eden Future.
For more information about Eden District Council visit www.eden.gov.uk or follow us at www.twitter.com/edencouncil For more information about Upper Eden Visitors Centre including how to volunteer contact UCEP Project Officer, Libby Bateman tel: 077596 65233.
ENDS
Notes to Editors
For more information contact the Communication Officer at Eden District Council tel: 01768 212137.
