HEREFORDSHIRE Citizens Advice Bureaux are aiming to make access to help and information easier with the official launch of a new Telephone Advice Service (TAS).

The service will be based on the first floor in a newly refurbished building in Gloucester Road, Ross-on-Wye, where a lift has been installed to comply with current accessibility legislation.

Since the service started in mid-June the phone lines have been staffed five days a week and are open between 10am and 4pm.

Project manager Linda Price, said: "We are happy that our countywide service is beginning to meet the needs of people in a positive way and we are looking to expand the service shortly in order to meet demand."

Cash backing

The CAB is recruiting volunteers to be able to offer a 36-hours a week manned telephone service and to answer 20,000 calls a year by the end of the three-year project.

The TAS initiative has been financed by the Community Fund, formerly the National Lottery Charities Board.

The official opening was carried out by Roger Trapani, chairman of the West Region of the National Association of Citizens Advice Bureaux, who was joined by Ann Carter and Linda Price.

The TAS number, offering impartial, confidential, independent advice or information is 0870 126 4091.

Anyone interested in volunteering can contact Lynette Thomson, guidance tutor, on 01989 769160.

Alternatively, they are asked to e-mail her at lynette@cabross.demon.co.uk