BIDDERS are being sought to take over the running of Kirkby Stephen tourist information centre – and enable the council to make cuts.

Eden District Council wants interested parties to register their interest if a proposal to withdraw authority funding for the TIC is ratified by councillors on Thursday, February 10.

Interested parties have until February 21 to put forward their initial expressions of interest.

EDC’s economy spokesman, Coun Malcolm Smith, said: “Like all local authorities, we are facing unprecedented reductions in funding over the next four years.

"The Council is expected to see its annual government grant reduce by 17.4 per cent next year and some £2 million in real terms by 2014-15.

“This is a massive reduction in income for a council of our size and the situation has meant councillors making some stark choices to balance the budget and achieve long-term sustainability.

“Therefore we are seeking expressions of interest from groups or individuals - including commercial operations and public/private partnerships - interested in providing TIC services in Kirkby Stephen.

“The council is keen to see services continue in areas where they have local support and wishes to work with interested people to seek a viable service.”

For initial enquiries contact Ruth Atkinson, tel: 01768 212202.