A FRESH and updated tourist office for Saffron Walden was opened to the public just in time for the Easter holiday. After nearly three months of being temporarily run from the town hall, staff at the Tourist Information Centre (TIC) were delighted to be b

A FRESH and updated tourist office for Saffron Walden was opened to the public just in time for the Easter holiday.

After nearly three months of being temporarily run from the town hall, staff at the Tourist Information Centre (TIC) were delighted to be back on the Market Square in their new-look facility.

Duty manager at the TIC, Rachel Thomas, said: "We are thrilled with the work that has been done - it is a huge improvement on the cramped and old space that we had before.

"It looks fantastic, but it's not just cosmetic; some important structural work to give the centre more space and make it safe for the future has also been carried out."

The building work, which saw most of the interior ripped out and replaced, was estimated to cost nearly �50,000.

"We had one or two unexpected problems with the floors, ceiling and walls," said town clerk Malcolm White. "But despite this I'm happy to say that the work still came in close to budget.

"The workmen did an excellent job and we now have a facility which is equipped for the 21st century."

The Market Square building has been refitted with a new floor, a new reception desk, an improved display area and central heating. Also a window has been uncovered to allow in more light.

The work was started in January and reopened to the public on Thursday.

The services offered by the TIC will remain the same, but it is hoped that both tourists and residents will benefit from the more spacious and well-designed layout.

"This is an exciting time for the TIC," said Ms Thomas. "We are about to receive tickets for the Audley End Picnic Concerts which will go on sale early next week. This is only the second year that we have sold them and I'm sure they will be very popular."

To coincide with the reopening of the TIC, a new website promoting Saffron Walden is also set to be launched. The website, which describes the market town as 'the jewel in the East of England', can be found at www.visitsaffronwalden.gov.uk