IT’S all change at the Dartmouth Visitor Information Centre.

Chairman Angie Cairns-Sharp and directors Nigel Way and Chris Woodwark have stood down from the Dartmouth and District Guide Limited which runs the centre.

They are replaced by the three town council representatives; Cllr Francis Hawke, Cllr Gina Coles and deputy mayoress Dr Fiona Ward. Local business manager Hilary Bastone continues as a director.

The outgoing and incoming directors held a meeting on Friday to ensure the smooth handover and the new directors were due to hold their first meeting on Wednesday to plan for the forthcoming summer season.

Priorities on the first agenda will be to elect a new chairman, plan staffing arrangements and consolidate the finances for the new model.

The Discover Dartmouth website is now managed by Visit South Devon, which has enhanced the site during the autumn and increased the traffic flow to maintain its number one position.

The Discover Dartmouth brochure, which is to be launched later this month, is compiled and distributed by We Make Magazines Ltd on behalf of the centre.

The directors will oversee the maintenance and enhancement of the visitor centre.

The centre volunteers, who are responsible for its day-to-day running, will continue to provide the award-winning service for which they are renowned.

All three of these comprehensive facets – the Discover Dartmouth website, the Discover Dartmouth brochure and the visitor centre – aim to provide a rejuvenated platform for the marketing of the town.

Mr Bastone said: ‘We owe a tremendous debt of gratitude to the three retiring directors who have worked tirelessly to maintain the centre for a number of years and have been tremendous ambassadors for the town.

‘The number of awards that the centre has received is a mark of the work undertaken by the directors, staff and volunteers.

‘Looking to the future I know that the new directors have a vision of extending and enhancing the visitor centre to provide a greater awareness of the town’s history and attractiveness.’

He added: ‘We must also thank the town council for the support and stability it has provided to this valuable asset of the town.’