Bernice Benton, who runs Llanwrtyd Wells Tourist Information Centre, said she is worried that everything related to tourism is being re-directed to Cardiff – something she finds 'appalling'.

Bernice said: "Last week Llanwrtyd Wells made it on to a list of the top 10 event breaks in the World. Getting featured on fun lists and being recognised worldwide has a fantastic impact on the town.

"With tourism and sheep farming being the main industries in this area, we welcome all the publicity and recognition we can get.

"But the Welsh Assembly Government seem to show no understanding of the importance of tourism to Wales. The rate at which they are closing down and reducing funding to Tourist Information Centres and centralising everything is appalling."

Last month, Llandrindod Wells Tourist Information Centre, based at the Automobile Palace, was closed by Powys County Council, following 'staffing difficulties', but it was re-opened this week, following public outcry.

Bernice continued: "A perfect example was the shutting of Llandrindod TIC – this is our county town and they still didn't see the need for a centre there.

"The centre here in Llanwrtyd is completely independent and has been refused any funding from Powys County Council.

"If all enquiries about this area were passed to Builth Wells and Brecon, then Llanwrtyd Wells would, I am sure, lose business to Builth and Brecon.

"Eventually everything will be centralised in Cardiff; cinemas, the library, hospitals and Tourist Information Centres.

"People want and need local information and services at a local level. It is the only way local economies can survive.

"If we are talking about reducing carbon footprints, we can't be supporting that by expecting people to travel so far for everything.

"Llanwrtyd is a beautiful place for its welcoming people and its picturesque surroundings.

"The 'wacky' events are there to entice people to discover us.

"We want to share the good fortune of living in such a great place with the world."