Visitor centres in the Lake District are to get a makeover.

The tourist information bases are to be rebranded as The Lakes Place.

Eh?

I’m lost already.

If you see that name above the door, what does that tell you?

It tells me absolutely nowt.

It is too random. Too vague.

It doesn’t say: “This is where you get information, advice and insight on what to do and where to go to get the most from your visit to Cumbria and the Lakes.”

It sounds more like a cafe or a restaurant.

Add an ‘i’ and it could be a chippy – The Lakes Plaice.

I really hope that not too much time and money has been wasted on coming up with this.

The National Park is hoping to be declared a Unesco World Heritage Site this year. I can only imagine that the bosses have got a bit giddy at the idea and want to have a snazzy new makeover in time for it.

But with the prospect of even more visitors coming from ever more different and distant countries, isn’t this the time when the Park should be looking for clarity, straightforwardness and strength of ‘brand’.

‘Visitor Centre’ or ‘Tourist Information Office’ says it all.

If you’re a visitor, you go to these places for information and help.

That’s what it says over the door.

Why change it?

Save the money for storm repairs, or even open another visitor centre.

The survey was sent out on its Twitter and Facebook pages.

It has now closed and staff are said to be “collating the input”.

Juliet Hoggar, head of commercial services for the organisation, explained: “Our three tourist information centres are multi-use sites that provide visitors with a diverse range of offers including cafes, meeting rooms, exhibition space and retail.

“As more people use the web to access information, the breadth of what we offer needs to be clear.”

The survey asked people for their thoughts on the new name and whether they like it.

The options were:

Yes, No, Unsure

There should have been a fourth – Are you out of your minds?

It explained the reason behind the rebrand as: “Because we want to be known for being the place for everything you need to make your visit as easy and enjoyable as possible.

“We do this by providing you with a truly authentic Lakeland experience.

“We offer the best of local produce and gifts, friendly staff with a vast knowledge of all things Lake District to help you make the most of your visit, maps, books, ability to book accommodation, events and activities direct and more.

“We are currently doing some user testing on a potential name change.”

And there it is – offering “the best of local produce and gifts”.

The bottom line is that the National Park needs to make more money. It has to monetise its outlets.

Sure, you can use them to get information on the surrounding area, but while you’re there look around, buy a bit of sticky toffee pudding, a tea towel with a view or a mug with a sheep on it.

It’s the Lakes Place for souvenirs.