Visitor centre closes in cost cutting measure

A visitor information centre has closed as part of a council's efforts to cut costs.

The Enjoy Stockton centre on Stockton High Street, which had about 15,000 visitors a year, shut its doors for the last time on Saturday.

Stockton Council said the move was part of plans to fill a multimillion-pound budget gap, having previously claimed the closure would save £50,000 this year and £75,000 in future years.

The Labour-led local authority said residents could continue to access services and support online and through its libraries.

The cuts are part of the council's drive to find cuts over the next three years with a budget gap predicted at £6.7m this year rising to £18.4m in 2028-29.

Cabinet member for environment, leisure and culture Nigel Cooke said: "Residents who would usually go to the Visitor Information Centre with customer service queries and requests will be able to go to nearby Stockton Central Library.

"This will reduce duplication."

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