Saffron Walden Tourist Information Centre (TIC) will no longer be relocated to the town hall, following backlash from residents.
At an extraordinary council meeting on Monday, March 25, Saffron Walden Town Council revoked the decision to move the TIC.
Councillors believed that moving the TIC to a former council chamber within the town hall would save money and significantly improve disabled access, but many residents expressed concerns about the move.
In response, councillors from Residents for Uttlesford (R4U), convened the meeting, in which councillors voted the revoke the decision.
The plans to relocate the TIC did not at any stage involved reducing the service, which councillors have stressed they are committed to maintaining.
The town council remains concerned about the lack of step-free disabled access at the current TIC in Market Place, and has decided this week to research options to improve access at the existing site.
Cllr Paul Gadd, leader of Saffron Walden Town Council, said: "We have listened to residents and the town council has, therefore, resolved to revoke its previous decision to move the TIC.
"It has been suggested that some residents intended to require a referendum on the proposed TIC move, which would cost up to £17,000, and is clearly not a good use of taxpayers’ money.
"Councillors have therefore moved quickly to revoke their previous decision and give residents certainty ahead of the town meeting to avoid unnecessary expense."
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The TIC has been located at 1 Market Place for more than 35 years, and provides advice on the town's amenities and services, along with a varied retail offering, an online shop and a box office for community venues.
Cllr Gadd added: "We are proud that Saffron Walden Town Council has avoided the financial problems affecting many other councils across the country through careful financial management.
"We are committed to making balanced decisions that control costs while maintaining or improving the quality of our services and reflecting the wishes of our residents."
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