New services available in Chirbury

A new Shropshire Customer First facility has been opened in Chirbury (at the Post Office and Stores), which will enable local residents to speak face to face with a range of organisations at the touch of a button.

The new facility will give people to access many services without having to travel to the nearest town.

Shropshire County Council will be able to help people with travel advice, contacting councillors, recycling and refuse and much more. In addition to council services, Age Concern, Citizens Advice Shropshire, A4U and South Shropshire Housing Association will also be offering confidential advice and support on a wide range of topics. This project is one of only a handful in the country to be using webcam technology to bring services to people.

Heather Cummins, from Chirbury Post Office, said, “I think this facility is brilliant. Chirbury is a long way from Shrewsbury and Ludlow, so it is great that local people can pop into the shop and talk to organisations like CAS and the council. Anyone can use it, it’s really easy; you just need to press a button and the adviser does the rest!”

Shropshire County Councillor John Hurst-Knight said, “The new Shropshire Customer First points are part of the county council’s aim to improve access to information and services in rural communities. The potential of this facility is very exciting. I hope that people will take the opportunity to try it out and let us know what they think.”

Paul Sutton, Managing Director of South Shropshire Housing Association, said “Operating in a county the size of Shropshire, it is difficult for people to travel to our offices. This facility not only means we can deliver services in our more remote areas, but it will reduce our carbon footprint as neither staff or customers will need to travel.”

The new facility is available on Tuesday mornings for Citizens Advice Shropshire, Age Concern, A4U, South Shropshire Housing Association and council services. On Friday mornings A4U, South Shropshire Housing Association and council services will be available.

People are advised to make an appointment in advance by calling (01743) 210364, although council and South Shropshire Housing Association services will be available as a drop-in.

At present this is a pilot project, and the organisations involved are keen to have feedback from customers to see what they think of the service.

29 January 2008