Gloucester's award-winning tourist information office could be set for a change, with a decision on its future due before the council next week.

City councillors are due to meet on February 6, to discuss the proposal to close the existing tourist information centre (TIC).

Plans would be to relocate it to two sites: Gloucester Guildhall and the Museum of Gloucester.

A spokesperson for the council said: "The move comes following recognition that over the past five years there has been a growing trend towards the use of online and digital visitor information services and online ticket sales.

"This has meant a drop-in footfall at the current TIC site and reduced gift shop and ticket sales.

"Other advantages include that the Guildhall offers longer, more accessible opening hours, as well as being next to a multi-storey car park, and the opportunity to attract more people to visit the Guildhall café."

According to the local authority, such a move would save it around £38,000, allowing funds to become available for marketing and promotions programmes, as well as further investment in staff training.

The main gift shop will be located at the Museum of Gloucester and a smaller range of goods will be on sale at the Guildhall.

Cllr Lise Noakes, cabinet member for culture and leisure at Gloucester City Council, called the proposal a "great opportunity to make sure many more people benefit from our great tourism service and maybe discover or rediscover the museum and the Guildhall".

"Many businesses these days recognise the value of co-locating. As a modern council, we should be adaptable and always thinking about how we can provide the best possible, service while making the most efficient use of taxpayers' money."

Punchline says: "The tourist information centre is a true jewel in the crown of our beautiful city, providing information and publicity to thousands of visiting tourists every year and it's something we should all be proud of. While the savings on paper look great, this co-location will even further reduce the centre's footfall and leave another empty building in the city centre."

We believe that the council should reconsider their plans. What do you think? Email mark@moosemarketingandpr.co.uk.