CITIZENS Advice Bureau (CAB) has this month ceased its Wednesday drop-in service at the Laverton, and is encouraging people to contact advisers via phone and internet instead.
The service – used by 128 people last year – stopped running in July in a move designed to better utilise the charity’s resources.
CEO of Wiltshire Citizens Advice Sarah Cardy said, “We are modernising our service to better use our available resources to help people.
“Only 128 people visited the Laverton drop-in last year, whereas three times that many contacted us from the Westbury area. We want to make sure advisers are available to answer the phone or respond online when people need them, rather than waiting at a drop-in that perhaps isn’t convenient for most people.
“We are respected and recognised by most people but there is less money to support us and more competition for resources, so it’s essential our service is in the right position to support our clients’ changing needs.”
The advice service is prioritising its telephone and online service – including a web chat – but will still arrange to meet people in person where it is appropriate. Drop-in services will also continue to run in Trowbridge and Warminster.
The CAB will also be looking into helping people access their online services via the library and the Laverton, to aid those without internet access at home.
Local councillor Mike Sutton wrote to White Horse News to express his disappointment at the decision.
Cllr Sutton said, “It is very disappointing to hear that the Citizens Advice Bureau intends to close its Wednesday service at the Laverton.
“Those needing advice will probably not be able to pay the cost of travelling elsewhere and a home visit may not be suitable depending on personal circumstances and the likelihood is that those in need will most probably go without much needed help.
“The reason given by the CAB hierarchy was the need to save money but as the service is provided by volunteers and the Laverton premises are given free of charge by Westbury Town Council it is difficult to see where they are saving any money.
“There is no financial saving in this and is another example of Westbury being at the receiving end of decisions made elsewhere such as the proposed non-campus which may or may not re-appear in the next decade.”
Councillor Sutton’s full comments can be read on our Letters page.
Citizens Advice Wiltshire, established in 1939. is a registered charity operated largely by volunteers who can offer independent advice on any issue, from anyone, spanning debt and employment to housing and consumer problems plus everything in between.
For information about the Citizens Advice Bureau and how to access their services, visit www.cabwiltshire.org.uk or call 03444 111 444.
