The people of Whitstable have just a few weeks left to convince city councillors not to close the town's visitor information centre.

Officials put forward the proposal as a way of saving money after the Government grant for the department was cut.

They plan to replace the service with leaflet points, web kiosk and a limited face-to-face service at the Horsebridge Centre.

But both residents and visitors have reacted with fury to the suggestion, which many fear will have detrimental effects for the town and its economy.

Hundreds have already joined the Whitstable Gazette's campaign to save the centre by signing our petition, joining our Save Whitstable Visitor Information Centre group on Facebook or filling in the forms in the paper.

Reporter Liz Crudgington will be in the town this weekend collecting signatures.

The campaign was boosted this week by a Tourism South East report which found each pound invested in visitor centres brings in an additional £1.20 spend for local businesses.

The crucial vote will take place at a meeting of the council's ruling executive committee on Tuesday, July 8.

~For more on the campaign,see this week's Whitstable Gazette, out now.