BOSSES at a help centre for local businesses who need advice about Europe have denied that the service will close.

The Greater Manchester Euro Info Centre (EIC) remains fully operational despite uncertainty raised during the last few days that EICs across the country were to close.

Articles in national newspapers generated confusion after a press release was issued by the European Commission to announce that anyone looking for information about the EU could turn to a new set of local outlets called Europe Direct Information Network (EDIN).

This was a scheme launched by Tony Blair in 1998 during the UKs last presidency, but the Government requested the introduction of the scheme should be postponed in the UK.

The delay led to a misunderstanding over which of the two schemes was still running.

The Greater Manchester EIC, based at ChamberLink International Trade Centre in Manchester is one of 20 located in the UK and more than 300 across Europe.

Calls are fielded at the chamber's call centre in Waters Meeting Lane, Bolton.

The service allows access to a range of information relating to different countries, industry sectors and specific products and companies.

The service can also inform firms about funding programmes, tender contracts and trade opportunities.

Lynn Shaw, from the EIC, said: "The way the EDIN has been reported has led to considerable confusion as to the future of the EICs.

"We have been contacted by clients worried about the potential closure of the centres when they are actually still running and proving extremely successful."

"There are absolutely no plans whatsoever to close the EIC."

For information, phone 0161 237 4020 or e-mail: euroinfo@chamber-link.co.uk