A POPULAR visitor centre could close as part of the council's decision to prioritise its services.

Lullingstone Park Visitor Centre, Castle Road, Eynsford, is not considered one of Sevenoaks District Council's important services and it is discussing options over its future.

The centre is located within 460 acres of countryside and holds walking and educational events throughout the year.

One option, discussed by councillors at a cabinet meeting, includes transferring the centre to Kent County Council, which would ensure services remain the same.

The least favoured option discussed would be to close the centre, which attracts 147,000 visitors from the surrounding areas a year.

Council leader Councillor Alison Cook said: Unfortunately, while the visitor centre is popular, it also makes a substantial loss, costing council tax payers around £120,000 a year to run.

"We will try to keep it open but we must focus our spending on our priority services and demonstrate value for money in all activities.'' For more information on the options discussed by the council, call 01732 227414.