Chippenham Tourist Information Centre is to move to a new home in the High Street.

The TIC, which is currently based in the iconic Yelde Hall in the Market Place, will move Chippenham Town Council's vacant unit next to the Town Hall.

As well as offering an information and travel service to the local community and visitors to the town, the TIC team are also responsible for organising a number of high profile annual events such as the Christmas Lights Switch on and last year’s epic Battle of Chippenham in Monkton Park.

Sue Wilthew, Clerk and Chief Executive said: "At a time when many TIC's in Wiltshire have closed, Chippenham Town Council has the vision to recognise the important role the TIC plays in the economy of the town and the vital service it offers to both the local community and visitors to the area.

"The TIC will be re-branded and offer a centrally located one-stop shop to anyone requiring travel or community information. "It also gives us a wonderful opportunity to make so much more of the historic Yelde Hall as an extension to the very popular Museum and Heritage Centre providing Chippenham with another must visit attraction in the town centre."

Emma King, Tourism, Events & PR Manager said: "By initiating this relocation, councillors have given us the opportunity to expand our range of services and make them more accessible.

"The TIC team are looking forward to operating from a prime location, which will increase footfall and raise our profile."

The Yelde Hall will continue to be used, forming an extension of Chippenham Museum and Heritage Centre, a fitting use for a building which dates from the 15th Century.

Mel Barnett, Curator at Chippenham Museum & Heritage Centre said: "We are delighted to be given the opportunity to develop the Yelde Hall as a new public facility for Chippenham. The hall was the original town museum which opened to the public in 1963.

"It will now play a central and exciting role in the museum’s golden anniversary celebrations in 2013."

The initial move is due to take place next month, with the service continuing to operate as usual.