AN appeal has been issued to find a new home for a tourist information centre (TIC).

Richmond TIC was based in the town’s Friary Gardens until last week when Richmondshire Leisure Trust pulled out of an agreement to run it.

It closed to the public last Wednesday. Richmondshire District Council said officers and members had been working hard since then to launch a new service.

They had hoped to have an interim solution ready for the end of this week, but until a new base is found that will not be possible, the council said.

Councillor Mick Griffiths, deputy leader, said: “We had hoped to house the TIC and volunteer pool at Victoria Road but the volunteers said they wish to find a new base with a more certain future.

“We have approached Richmond Town Council to see if there is space at its Market Hall but unfortunately it is completely full.

“So we are working with the Richmond Business and Tourism Association to find a base for it within the town centre - perhaps within a shop, bed and breakfast operation or office.

“We have an excellent pool of volunteers willing to keep this service going - they just need a home.”

He said the Victoria Road building would be advertised as a business opportunity, with the council willing to look at all plans put forward for it.

However, those must include taking on the cleaning of the public toilets. Anyone who can offer a base for the TIC is asked to call Pat Wilson at Richmondshire District Council on 01748-829100.