With rising temperatures plentiful sunshine and abundant blue skies many head for the shingle shores of Hayling Island to relax soak up some rays dip a toe and enjoy the coastal atmosphere. During these times visitors require information about the local area.
Havant Borough Council recently took the decision to close the visitor information centre at Beachlands during weekends a situation that has prompted wide criticism. HBC defended their action stating that fewer customers used the information centre during Saturdays and Sundays last year. Dawn Adey marketing and customer relations service manager said: Weekend opening hours have changed as we were experiencing low attendance at weekends during 2013.
Marshall Hill one of Funland Amusement Parks owners criticised the new timetable with comments published in the Hayling Islander: Its ridiculous to stop providing visitor information at weekends. If the council needs to save money the centre should be closed at quiet times not during busy weekends in the tourist season. Hayling Seaside Railways Bob Hancock also added: We should support the tourist industry which brings about 60m per year into the borough.
Councillor Andy Lenaghan said a meeting has been arranged after Haylings Conservatives voiced concerns over the new opening hours.
Peak season opening hours are Monday to Friday 9am-5pm and closed Saturdays Sundays and bank holidays. July 28-Spetmeber 6 will see the office open from 9am until noon on Saturday.
