INTERNET access and WiFi connection for public use will soon be on offer at Sidmouth Information Centre. The decision to offer such facilities is in response to public demand, says centre manager Ian Cole.

INTERNET access and WiFi connection for public use will soon be on offer at Sidmouth Information Centre.

The decision to offer such facilities is in response to public demand, says centre manager Ian Cole.

He said: "More and more visitors have been asking for this service and we are delighted that we will be able to offer these facilities."

The service is expected to be available early in April.

SIC is not just for visitors but residents too. It stocks brochures on a wide variety of attractions as well as many UK holiday guides to help people plan visits or business trips.

Staff will have guides from a particular area posted directly to the enquirer's home.

As well as being the only outlet for Sidmouth FolkWeek tickets booked by phone, SIC also acts as a box office for other events, such as Devon County Show, Axe Vale Festival of Gardening and Crafts and Yeovilton Air Day.

Ian is happy to hear from anyone wanting tickets for an event to be sold there and offers a reduced commission rate for Sidmouth charitable events.

Bookings for coach excursions can be made at the centre, which adjoins Sidmouth Swimming Pool at The Ham, and residents can apply for concessionary bus passes there.

Staff have a vast knowledge of the Sidmouth area as most are retired accommodation providers.

"Even if a visitor asks about something they do not know, it is rare that the visitor leaves before the answer has been found," said Ian.

Postcards and greetings cards are stocked at the centre, including some by artist Eleanor Ludgate who once had a studio in Sidmouth.

Ian is keen to hear from anyone able to offer accommodation for visitors to Sidmouth FolkWeek as virtually all hotel, guest house and self-catering accommodation in the town is booked.

He is preparing a list of additional accommodation for that week to help satisfy demand.

* In March/April SIC opens between 10am to 4pm Monday to Thursday, 10am-5pm Friday and Saturday and 10am to 1pm Sunday. Between May and July and September and October this changes to 10am-5pm Mon-Sat and 10am to 4pm Sundays. August openings are an hour longer.

Between November and February SIC opens between 10am and 1.30pm Monday to Saturday only.