Thank you for your fantastic support to date. However, I'm saddened to report that the Windsor Tourist Information Centre located in the Guild Hall looks set to be closed on 30th June, with the loss of two jobs.

We're hearing from credible sources that the Royal Borough of Windsor & Maidenhead has met with officials from Legoland and other tourist destinations to inform them of the impending closure.

And of course we are still waiting to hear the fate of Windsor Museum, which is also under threat by the Liberal Democrat run Council.

I believe this latest decision is short sighted and one that the Borough will come to regret. The last economic impact of tourism in 2022 found there are 12 million visitor trips to Windsor every year, worth £15 million per month to the local economy and some 13 per cent of the Royal Borough is employed in a profession linked to tourism.

I am a product of my generation and I recognise the trend towards moving services online these days, but nothing beats the personal service that is provided every day by the experienced and knowledgeable staff of the visitor information service. 

With the right commercial approach, it should be possible to keep retain this valued institution so that Windsor can continue to enjoy the benefits of this service and staff. The timing of these cuts is also highly questionable, just as we are entering the summer season.

As well as offering visitors a wealth of in person local knowledge and guidance, the centre is used for booking accommodation and as a box office for events such as the Windsor Festival, boat and bus tours, Legoland and Ascot and Windsor Racecourse. It sells maps, books, and gifts that are all integral to the tourist experience.

Please sign and share the petition and let's keep the pressure on the Council to rethink this latest appalling decision. 

Jack Rankin
Conservative Parliamentary Candidate for Windsor