Two tourist information centres in Lincoln are to close in September following a strategic review of services aimed at slashing £2.5m from the City of Lincoln Council's (CLC) budgets.

The council's executive backed proposals for the closure of the centres, as well as withdrawing funding for its arts service and the transfer of the city's marketing to Lincolnshire Tourism. Functions currently performed by the tourist information centres will be replaced with a call-handling and web-based service, which will affect 13 jobs at the council.

Three new positions will be created as part of the plans, which will be offered to existing staff members. Meanwhile, the remaining 10 staff members will join the council's 'management of change' programme, which will see them considered for future jobs at the council ahead of external applicants. CLC leader Darren Grice said: "I am aware that tourism has great value for Lincoln and its residents and businesses. This decision has been difficult, but it is about changing the nature of the service, not removing it altogether. Big savings must be made to make this council sustainable for the future."

The changes to Lincoln's tourism, marketing, events and arts are set to save the council £280,000, which will contribute towards the overall target of £2.5m.