The Tourist Information Centre in Skipton looks set to become a private business if a suitable buyer can be found.

Skipton Town Council, which has run and subsidised the service for 15 years, feels the time is right to put it out to tender.

Members acknowledge that it is not an easy business for making profits but hope to attract individuals or firms with the appropriate expertise.

For many visitors to Craven and the Dales, the Sheep Street centre is their first port of call . It has become an increasingly professional outfit in recent years. Last year, for instance, it introduced a National Express booking agency.

Skipton's public relations, tourism and arts committee expect the full council to approve a sale.

A two-month period is likely to be set to advertise the business and allow bidders to submit their proposals.

Manager of the information centre, Maureen Pearce said: "I have mixed feelings about things changing. My prime concern is that whoever takes it on realises that they need to keep the identity of Skipton and Craven intact.

"The centre has to be very much the shop front for the area, as for many visitors it is the first port of call.

"There's no reason to think that it won't continue to be, but this could be a complete change and a new direction. Whether I am involved in it or not, I hope it will be a success."

Richmondshire District Council put up two of its information centres out to tender several years ago, but didn't get suitable bidders. It had to plough further investment into the service.

Chairman of Skipton tourism committee, John Spencer said: "There may not be many who feel they have the expertise or resources to run a tourist information centre, but we have to try to raise interest.

"I have suggested that we need to get to know what potential bidders are out there by the end of September.

"Giving out information doesn't make a profit, so we are looking for someone with the expertise to make it work."

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