RAWTENSTALL tourist information centre is set to be axed in a bid to modernise the service, it has been revealed.

Today Rossendale MP Janet Anderson said she was "appalled" by the decision, and accused council chiefs of trying to make unjustified cost cuts.

The former Tourism Minister said the modernisation of the service, first established 20 years ago, would ultimately lead to a sacrifice of standards when the Kay Street office closes in March.

But council bosses have defended the move, and denied the decision was taken for financial reasons.

Council leader Duncan Ruddick said the money used to pay for providing a tourist information service could be spent on employing a tourism marketing manager to promote Rossendale.

He said: "As part of the town centre redevelopment plan, Rawtenstall tourist information centre was being re-located. This caused us to look at starting to do things differently to improve the service. More and more people are now accessing information through the internet, and by phone.

"You can book a day out at Alton Towers directly, rather than having to go to the tourist information centre, which has nothing to do with promoting Rossendale.

"People will be able to buy bus tickets through the library, and will be able to ring the contact centre with any queries. It's all about modernising the service in line with today's needs, and nothing to do with the budgetary considerations.

"We are not trying to save money this way. Discussions will take place at the next Cabinet meeting about using the money to employ a tourism marketing manager who will be somebody who goes out promoting Rossendale."

He said two members of staff currently working at the centre are set to be re-deployed within the council. Two former part-time staff are now working at Rawtenstall's One-Stop Shop.

The service was the subject of a North West Development Agency mystery shopper survey earlier this year, which found it above average. During the summer, a report revealed an average of 125 people were using the service every day.

Mrs Anderson said: "I am absolutely appalled that the tourist information office is finally going to close. Tourism is a very important economic generator for the Rossendale Valley.

"It's outrageous that people will not be able to pop into a friendly office to get the information and services they require. There are no excuses for the council doing this.

"The authority has had a 38per cent increase in central government funding over recent years, so I fail to understand the reasoning behind this. To say it's nothing to do with money is nonsense."