LUDLOW Visitor Information Centre has set up temporary home in the town’s library while refurbishment work takes place at the Assembly Rooms.

But it means that the facility will be closed on Thursdays and Saturday afternoons during a key part of the tourist season.

Chief Executive of the Assembly Rooms, Helen Hughes, praised the co-operation of Ludlow Library in agreeing to host the visitor information centre.

“Together with the library we provide a significant resource for both locals and visitors and to put both facilities under the same roof, albeit for a limited period, makes great sense,” said Ms Hughes.

“We are indebted to the library for their swift agreement and co-operation in providing a suitable home for the centre while our building work takes place.”

Ludlow Library Manager, Iran Morris, welcomed the centre to its temporary home.

“With some minor adjustments we’ve been able to make an adequate space near the entrance to the library which we feel will work well with all our visitors and will prove beneficial for both parties – this short-term arrangement will strengthen our relationship which will, I’m sure, continue long into the future,” Mr Morris said.

Adjusting to the library opening hours will mean the Visitor Centre will not be open on Thursdays or Saturday afternoons until its return to its new location which will, coincidentally, be the old Tourist Information Centre facing Market Square.

“While we acknowledge the short-term disruption and confusion, we will ensure that adequate signage will advise visitors to the town and that locals will play their part in pointing people towards the library,” said David Burton, co-ordinator of the volunteers.

The Visitor Information Centre in Ludlow is run entirely by a team of volunteers.

Despite the importance of tourism to the town a paid manager was made redundant by Shropshire Council several years ago.