The doors to Huntingdonshire District Council’s new customer services are now open to the public, improving access to, and the delivery of, the services it provides.

There to meet and greet customers as they arrived was Ian Bates, leader of the council and Phillip Swales chairman of the council.

Centenary House, a two minute walk from the offices at Pathfinder House, St Mary’s Street, Huntingdon has been transformed into a customer service centre providing customers access to a range of services on one ground floor location, instead of being directed to any one of five reception areas on four different floors in Pathfinder House. This is a temporary measure until a new centre is established as part of the rebuilding of Pathfinder House.

A team of customer service advisors are available at Centenary House to deal with benefits, housing, planning, council tax and general enquiries all in the one location. As all customer services are in one area, people will also be able to make payments and the cash office at Castle Hill House, Huntingdon is now closed.

Ian Bates, Leader of the Council said; “During the redevelopment of the council offices it is our priority to ensure we continue to provide excellent customer services to the public, already people visiting the centre can see and feel the difference that the centre is making to the service they receive.”

Unlike Pathfinder House, the new location provides disabled access that meets the requirements of the Disability Discrimination Act. Opening hours are 9 am to 5 pm from Monday to Thursday, and 9 am to 4.30 pm Fridays.

Pathfinder House is now closed to the public – except for access to public meetings. All visitors will need to report to Centenary House. Construction of the new offices is due to begin later this year.

Improved facilities for the public are at the heart of the planning of the new council offices. A customer service centre on the ground floor is part of the new development and is being designed to provide more convenient face-to-face contact allowing visitors to complete their business quickly and conveniently all in one area. The centre will complement the council’s already well-developed telephone and internet services.