RESIDENTS and visitors are divided on the future of a Test Valley town's visitor information centre after the borough council decided to shut it.

Nobody could agree on Test Valley Borough Council's plans to close the Romsey Visitor Information Centre and give the building to King John's House.

The museum will turn the adjacent site into its new entrance and it will become one of nine new tourist information points - tickets will be sold elsewhere.

Romsey Visitor Information Centre (Image: Charles Elliman) Charlotte Underhill, 62, a retired postal worker from Latham Road, was understanding of the decision but critical of worker layoffs.

Charlotte said: "I'm not too bothered [with the closure] as long as you can get tourist information from someplace. As long as people can do it [find information] digitally, or physically, I'm fine [but] I do not think they should lose their jobs.

"Shouldn't they be employed by King John's House? That would be a good idea - give them a job.

"Sometimes you need to do cut-backs, but I don't know about people losing their jobs - it's hard to get those these days."

The former postal worker said she would also be keen to learn about the museum's plans, including how it would affect their existing premises.

Jason, 54 and Valerie, 57, Gowans, an electrician and dog trainer from Romsey, were more sceptical of the plans and thought they were not in keeping with the town.

Valerie said: "I just think it's really sad. It's another thing moving to the future and it's sad. I don't think Romsey's big enough to do that."

The pair, neither of whom uses the visitor information centre, said it was helpful for the elderly and was something nice and personal for tourists.

The dog trainer said: "What I love about Romsey is that it's quaint. What I love about the visitor information centre is that it is traditional."

Neither of the two were convinced of the council's motives. Valerie said: "It's not moving with the future, it's saving money, isn't it?

Jason said: "It's just an excuse, isn't it?"

Adam Oliver, 39, a civil engineer from Romsey, was not at all concerned at the move to close the visitor information centre.

Adam said: "It doesn't sound like a bad idea. Doesn't sound too radical and will be in keeping with the town. It's replaced with an extension to the museum. It doesn't offend me. If they can tell the story of the town and its history, it'll be equally useful."

Martin Prince, 66, from Ringwood works in the retail industry. He is also part of the Michelmersh Band and the visitor information centre helps them promote their events and sell tickets.

Martin said: "We're always grateful. They put posters in the window and sell tickets for our events."

The Ringwood man was sceptical of the proposed tourist information points, suggesting a dedicated tourism centre was more prominent.

He was also disappointed with the loss of jobs. He said: "I think that it's disappointing in this climate of unemployment.

"Plus, most of the people who work there will be locals and local knowledge counts."