Lock up could be tourist centre

DISCUSSIONS have begun on what to do with the lock up on North Street in Great Dunmow. One idea is to create a tourist information centre near to the centre of town for people to visit and learn about history, heritage and information. Dunmow Town Council

DISCUSSIONS have begun on what to do with the lock up on North Street in Great Dunmow.

One idea is to create a tourist information centre near to the centre of town for people to visit and learn about history, heritage and information.

Dunmow Town Council, which inherited the building last year, is pricing up the cost of materials and labour to renovate the small building and install a new roof.

Town Cllr David Beedle recommends the refurbishment as a good investment for the future. He said: "If the district offices close down the information centre will need somewhere to go. If they went to the library opening times would be affected. It seems like a good investment to me because the lock up is part of the town's history anyway."

The 8ft by 10ft building stands near to the Doctors Pond - a big draw for sightseers in the summer and lies just off the main High Street.

Mr Beedle said: "I think it would only cost a few thousand pounds to convert the building and then we can have a permanent place for an information centre."

The only stumbling block could be disabled access because the building is so old conceded Mr Beedle. But he firmly believes that the plan could be implemented. He said: "The lock up is very limited in what it can be used for, and the council needs to do something with it. I think a tourist information centre would be ideal.