A SEATON man fears the Tourist Information Centre will not survive if the council ceases funding. Former town councillor John Seward, who was previously on the TIC s advisory committee, called on the town council to be transparent in their actions during the full council meeting on Monday

A SEATON man fears the Tourist Information Centre will not survive if the council ceases funding.

Former town councillor John Seward, who was previously on the TIC's advisory committee, called on the town council to be "transparent" in their actions during the full council meeting on Monday.

He said: "I ask that this council be aware of the importance of the TIC when thinking of tourism. All dealings involving the centre's future need to be done covertly."

Mayor Sandra Semple admitted no business plan had been presented by the advisory committee.

The council voted to exclude the press and public in its discussions on the motion.

Speaking to the Herald, Mr Seward said he feared the centre would suffer and jobs would be hit as the council cut costs to reduce the authority's deficit.

He said: "We are trying desperately to make Seaton a tourist town so the council needs to give its support financially."

Town clerk, David Mears, told the Herald after the meeting that the centre was losing money at a cost to the tax payer and he was looking at ways to make savings.

But he said there were no plans to close the centre as it was an asset to the town and tourism.

He said: "The motion was to confirm the authority I should have as town clerk to bring about best value to the council tax payers of Seaton and to make the centre more accountable and efficient.