IT is with dismay and astonishment we in Haworth have learned of the proposed closure of our much-needed and respected Visitor Information Centre (VIC).

My family and I have run our tearoom and guest house in Haworth for the past 30 years and for all that time the VIC and the marvellous staff who work there have been the hub of Haworth.

If you need help with accommodation, directions, the bus, a taxi, where to eat, where to find the best walks, if you are lost, if you have lost something, if you have lost your child, if you have lost your way, if you require the toilet, a stamp, a map, an ambulance, you would like some local knowledge or you just want a chat, the staff are always there to help.

I have lost count of the number of times I have referred visitors to the VIC for help and advice – it is a priceless asset to our village.

The Visit Bradford Tourism Review states on page two visitor numbers to Haworth VIC in 2016 were 69,000. On checking the figures complied by the VIC in Haworth, the visitor numbers – people who entered the VIC for a reason – in 2015 were more than 132,000 and in 2016 were more than 99,000. The recent TV drama about the Brontes, To Walk Invisible, will no doubt see visitor numbers rocket in 2017.

The review states the Ilkley office is the busiest but I would dispute this – Haworth is always busier than Ilkley!

How and why has the council arrived at this ridiculous decision? There are four options in the review. Option one would keep Haworth and Bradford offices open and option two would keep Haworth open only. Both options state Haworth is the most important VIC in terms of the number of tourists it serves. Option three would close all the VIC offices and move all services to Bradford and option four would close the lot. If this is all about money, then option one would save £142,000, option two £213,000, option three £244,000 and option four £315,000.

These amounts are very small compared with the council’s overall budget and it seems very petty and extremely short-sighted.

The advantages of keeping the VICs are many. Closing them and moving all the services to Bradford, which only had 51,000 visitors (half the amount Haworth achieved), would do our tourist industry serious damage. Since when has Bradford been a major tourist destination?

Given overseas visitors contribute so much to our economy, is it not wise to spend this very small amount? Haworth, according to the council, is the ‘jewel in the crown’ of the district. I often wonder if the council really understands this – the importance of the Brontë sisters, moors, railway, Haworth Main Street. All are unique. In the 30 years we have lived and worked here, its popularity has never diminished.

The day after the planned closure was announced, a press release from the council stated it was doing its utmost to promote the area and what a great place it is to visit. One of its management team was photographed looking very sheepish and holding up various brochures. I felt sorry for whoever it was who drew the short straw! This, I expect, was to make us feel better about it all.

To close Haworth VIC would be a huge mistake and I would appeal to Bradford Metropolitan Council to think again.

DAVID SISLEY The Apothecary Tea Rooms Main Street, Haworth