A popular tourist information office in Hampshire is set to close for the final time this week.

Gosport Tourist Information Office and Bookshop will shut on Saturday, September 28, after it was announced last year that Gosport Borough Council could no longer afford to keep it open.

For 15 months volunteers have maintained the tourist information centre, helping both residents and holidaymakers with a range enquiries about the local area, with around 30 people still visiting each day in the autumn.

Businessman Mike Critchley took charge of the running of the information office last year.

Speaking of its impending closure, he said: “You have no idea what a great 15 months it has been for me and my volunteer team. 

“We’ve had amazing visitors, who we have done our best for to supply with information or even reply ‘I don’t know but we’ll find out’ and had plenty of laughs along the way too.”

A retired Royal Navy officer, Mike added: “Since starting, some of my naval books have found new homes in many parts of the world. 

“We have much enjoyed our conversations with all visitors, from sailors to scallywags, whilst being here.”

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After leaving the building for the final time – operating out of the town’s 52-year-old bus station – volunteers will hand the keys back to the council.

Gosport Borough Council has submitted plans to demolish the building and redevelop the area, which if approved will see the implementation of a People’s Park and a new and improved bus station.

Proposals for the park would see the introduction of a brand-new food and drink outlets, as well as a new bus station overlooking Portsmouth Harbour.

Demolition work of the former bus station is expected to take place in November, which is scheduled for three months.

With the days ticking down until volunteers leave the tourist information centre, they’ve offered residents the chance to share in a unique experience in travelling from Fareham to London for the day on Saturday, October 26.

With Gosport being the largest town without a train station or rail service in the UK, volunteers have chartered their own train - which interestingly they have dubbed the ‘Fareham Flyer'.

Tickets for the experience are available from Gosport Tourist Information Office but only until Saturday, September 28, before it closes.