TOURISM chiefs are discussing the future of information centres used by millions of visitors to the Lake District.

The move comes amid plans by the Lake District National Park Authority to axe three centres to save money.

The meeting on Thursday will be attended by officials from the Tourist Board, Lake District National Authority and district councils.

Previous research by the tourist board has shown TICs bring in more than £42m to the county every year from holiday bookings and tours.

Figures from 2004 show that the county's centres handled more than four million inquiries from visitors - 91 per cent of those in person.