MALDON District Council has agreed to continue the operation of a tourist information centre in the Dengie.

The contract for the Burnham Tourist Information Centre, in High Street, was due to end in July.

But at a meeting on Thursday councillors agreed it should be extended to the end of the financial year.

Councillor Ron Pratt who is ward member for Burnham said: “It is something I’ve wanted and I’m very pleased that the district council has taken this decision.

“I tried to explain that, irrespective of the figures, we need to continue operating this tourist information centre.

“Burnham is the second jewel in the crown and people need to know what is going on in our town.

“I think it’s important to have a service like this.

“I do believe that it’s one of the most important things because tourism is important not only for Burnham but for the whole of the Dengie.”

Mr Pratt’s was concerned that had the contract not been extended, residents and visitors would have lost their only means of discovering more about the town.

Mr Pratt also acknowledges that this is a time to stop and see where money is being spent within the financial year.

The centre moved to its current location two years ago after almost 12 months away from the town.

The previous information centre, in the former One Place community centre also in the High Street, closed in October 2015 after shutting for financial reasons.

The office is open on Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday and has two part-time members of staff.

Visit www.visitmaldondistrict.co.uk.