HUNDREDS of people have signed a petition urging the council to keep Wimborne’s Tourist Information Centre open.

The Daily Echo revealed on Wednesday that centres in Christchurch and Wimborne will no longer be council-run as part of ongoing cost-cutting measures, with 12 full- and part-time jobs under review.

The East Dorset service could close entirely in the autumn if no alternative arrangements come to fruition.

But locals have condemned the plans and are calling for action to halt the closure, with town crier Chris Brown and former mayor Anthony Oliver MBE leading the charge.

Mr Oliver said: “Two ladies from Bath commented that on arrival in the town the first place they went was the Tourist Information Centre for a map and to find out what was going on in the area.

“They didn't use an online facility because they hadn't got one.

“The council say this is one of the reasons for the change as people are now doing more and more online.”

A third party is in talks to take over the service, but in the event that no other proposals come forward, the centre would close this November.

Petition forms are available in Square Records in the High Street, Rumours Hairdressers in Crown Mead and from Anthony Oliver on 01202 888703.