Even the county council admits its Travel Information Centre has proved 'disappointing'.

However, Cllr Val Letheren, BCC's member for transport, added that plans are under way to improve the kiosk and make it a focal point for the town.

The centre in Market Square is rarely open, contains information which can already be found nearby and is starting to look shabby despite being less than a year's old, argue its detractors.

Cllr Mary Baldwin, leader of the opposition Lib Dems on the council, said: "It is a blooming carbuncle which is useless.

"I feel quite strongly about it because a lot of people stop me and ask me what the point of it is.

"It is starting to look disgusting, too. Don't they clean it?"

Cllr Letheren said she understood people's frustration, blaming cutbacks for the problems.

"We had money from government funding to build it but no revenue to manage it," she said.

"That bid was made several years ago and the (financial) climate then was a lot more flexible than it is now."

She said there were plans to make the centre a 'one-stop shop' for information, including links to the new theatre and other organisations.

Do you think the info centre is a waste of money? Do you agree with plans to make it a one stop shop? Let us know by clicking on the comment button below.