New services coming to Ruyton-XI-Towns

Residents in Ruyton-XI-Towns are invited to the launch of a new Shropshire Customer First point, which will enable them to speak face-to-face with a range of organisations at the touch of a button. Shropshire Customer First has established a new point at the Victoria Room, which will mean people can access many services without having to travel to the nearest town. This project is one of only a handful in the country to be using webcam technology to bring services to people.

The new facility – one of 11 being launched across the county – will be opened by Councillor Barbara Craig and Liz Warren, Service Director of Citizens Advice Shropshire, on Friday 18 January between 11.00am and noon. Everyone is invited to come along to have a look and see what it could offer them.

Broadband and developments in technology mean that people can now have a face-to-face conversation with organisations on the other side of the county. There is no need for people to be able to use a computer, as they just need to touch a button on a TV screen and the adviser does the rest. They can share documents, complete forms, and even have their photo taken for ID badges.

Shropshire County Council will be able to help people with travel advice, contacting councillors, recycling and household waste advice, and much more. In addition to council services, Age Concern, Citizens Advice Shropshire and A 4 U will also be offering confidential advice and support on a wide range of topics.

The total project cost of £85,000 in Shropshire has been part-funded by the European Regional Development Fund, Shropshire County Council, and Advantage West Midlands through the Shropshire Access Partnership. The project reflects the county council’s drive to deliver access to services throughout the county to the people of Shropshire. Through the appropriate use of technology, customers can have forms processed straight away and receive information from a friendly face, reducing the need to travel by both service providers and service users. providing both cost savings and environmental benefits.

Councillor Barbara Craig, Cabinet member for community services said, “Shropshire Customer First’s points are revolutionising the way in which people can access a range of services provided by Shropshire County Council. This new service is aimed at improving access to information and services in rural communities.”

Liz Warren, Service Director for Citizens Advice Shropshire, said, “We welcome this opportunity to use new technology to deliver our services. The facility is very easy to use, and we would like to encourage people of all ages to come along and try it out. It has huge potential for reaching people in rural parts of the county, who would otherwise have to travel miles to their nearest town for face-to-face advice. “

At present this is a pilot project, and the organisations involved are keen to have feedback from customers to see what they think of the service.

11 January 2008