HEREFORDSHIRE Council has opened a new customer service centre in Ledbury this week.

16th century listed building, St Katherine's, location in High Street Ledbury has been refurbished to provide a lighter, brighter more customer friendly place from which members of the public will be able to access more than 700 council services.

Visitors to the centre and cash office will be able to get information and help from highly-trained customer service professionals on general enquiries, council tax, benefits, planning applications, parking concessions, and business rates, amongst other things.

There are three new internet access points for customers to access information online, better facilities for disabled people, more private interview rooms and a wider range of service information than before.

A new pensions surgery will take place from 10am-1pm on Mondays and every Tuesday members of the public will be able to talk to planners at special planning surgeries from 10am-1pm and building control experts from 9.30am-12.30pm.

The Citizens Advice Bureau will visit every Friday from 10am-3pm and the new centre has a JobCentre point where job seekers can search for the latest vacancies five days a week from 8.45am to 5.15pm Monday - Thursday and 8.45am-4.45am on Fridays.

Linda Beddis, Customer Services Manager, said: "Members of the public will be able to get all their queries relating to council services dealt with in one place and be able to attend surgeries where experts will provide advice on specific issues.

"The building used to be very dark and claustrophobic but is much brighter and more comfortable now for our staff and customers."

Ends Pic caption: the main reception area of the new Ledbury Centre Carla Preston (01432) 260098