Corsham Tourist Information Centre has defended its role in the community at a time when it faces a cut in funding by Wiltshire Council.

The centre, which is run by the Corsham Area Development Trust, could face closure this year if the money from Wiltshire Council dries up.

It also faces the prospect of having to negotiate a rental agreement with Corsham Town Council, which owns the High Street building, when its lease ends later this year. It does not currently pay rent but town councillors are reviewing that arrangement.

Defending the centre’s role, director Peter Tapscott said: “The council has given us advance notice of a life-threatening reduction. We need to meet the challenge.

“The situation is not quite so simple as it seems. Beyond the funding from Wiltshire Council we have also been dependent upon the rent-free use of the three rooms that we occupy at Arnold House.

“Were the market price of those rooms to be added to our costs we would really be sunk. Avoiding that possibility is just another element of the challenge.”

Tourism officers have rallied around in a bid to turn their fortunes around. They have set up a conference on Monday in which they will bolster links with more than 70 Corsham businesses.

The centre is also extending its accommodation and coach travel booking services and has introduced new products in its souvenir section.