17/03/2016 - Permalink

Wem residents asked their views on changes to their local Customer Service Point

Related topics: Community

Shropshire Council is inviting residents in Wem and the surrounding area to give their views on proposals for their local Customer Service Point.

The Customer Service Point is currently based at Edinburgh House, and is shared with other services and organisations including Wem Town Council and Shropshire Housing Group.

The consultation asks residents their thoughts on two proposals:

  • To transfer the responsibility for running Wem’s Customer Service Point to the staff at Meres and Mosses Housing (part of Shropshire Housing Group) and maintain the current opening hours.
  • Move the Customer Service Point to Wem Library to be run by library staff and reduce the opening hours.

Proposals also include installing a freephone facility to allow customers to access a host of council services, and installing a public computer to enable customers to carry out their business online. The staff at Meres and Mosses would be on hand for anyone who needs help.

Over past months the council has been working closely with key local partners including Shropshire Housing Group to develop opportunities and proposals for new ways of delivering the services currently housed in Edinburgh House.

Michael Wood, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for corporate support, said:

“We understand the importance of a local face-to-face service for many of our customers who may not be able to use alternative means of doing business such as the telephone or online, or who may need help to use these alternatives.

“Shropshire Housing Group already work with us in a number of important areas. They help us to support those customers who are most vulnerable or who have more complex issues, and they provide the support that Shropshire people will need as changes to the benefits system continue to roll out.

“Our recommended option would be to keep the Customer Service Point in Edinburgh House, and work with Shropshire Housing Group to deliver the service. As the town council is also located there, it will enable people to access other local services in the one place

“The preferred option will minimise any disruption to our customers and also allow us to carry on providing this service, without reducing the opening hours of the service.

“I really encourage all local residents to get involved and have their say on these proposals.”

Further information, including frequently-asked questions about the proposals, can be found online at shropshire.gov.uk/get-involved, search for “Wem Customer Service Point”.

Alternatively, residents can also visit the Customer Service Point to seek further information on how the service will operate, and complete a survey form.

Closing date for responses is Friday 8 April 2015.