A new Visitor Information Centre has been launched in Dursley and is based in the town’s library.

Visitors wishing to find out more information about Dursley can now pop into the library to access the centre.

Library staff will be on hand to provide information on points of interest and maps and guidebooks will also be available to purchase.

The centre had been due to open in April last year but was put on hold due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

However with libraries able to reopen again after the last lockdown, the centre is now able to welcome visitors and was officially launched this week.

The Visitor Information Centre will be run by the library under a partnership agreement with Dursley Town Council for an initial trial period to the end of October this year, which could be made permanent if it is a success.

The town council is providing the funding thanks to a one-off grant from Stroud District Council to help with the initial set up costs.

The library, in May Lane, is open six days a week and is based in a prominent location in the town, on the Cotswold Way National Trail.

Measures are in place to keep people safe in the library, including managing visits with social distancing, only allowing limited numbers in at any one time and increased cleaning.

Cllr Dave Norman, Gloucestershire County Council cabinet member for libraries, said: “The library has always been an important community hub so it’s a perfect location for the Visitor Information Centre. Its staff are ideally placed to welcome visitors and help to promote the many attractions of Dursley and our county so I’m pleased it’s now able to open.”

Cllr Wendy Thomas, local councillor for Dursley, said: “Dursley Library is already an invaluable source of information for people visiting the area so it makes sense to base the Visitor Information Centre there.

"Dursley is an increasingly popular destination, with many local points of interest and a vibrant walking festival, so I’m delighted this has been launched.”

Cllr Symon Ackroyd, Mayor of Dursley, said: “Dursley Town Council is pleased to be working in partnership with Gloucestershire County Council to provide a new Visitor Information Centre at Dursley Library.

“We recognise the growing importance of tourism to our local economy and the high street and believe Dursley Library offers a natural home to a Visitor Information Centre, alongside our ‘Visit Dursley’ website page at www.dursleytowncouncil.gov.uk.”