CITIZENS Advice Mendip has closed its office in Frome, citing “increasing costs.” The charity said the King Street office had to close as costs of repairs to the building would not make financial sense, declaring the site no longer economically viable for business.
They insisted however, that its service in Frome will still continue and support can still be found online on its website and through email.
Citizens Advice also hopes to continue its free, confidential and impartial advice in a face-to-face environment soon and it is looking at ‘advice access points’ for those that either can’t access the internet or prefer speaking to someone in the flesh.
On their website, contacts are given for Somerset’s free telephone and email advice, with email advice answered within five working days. There is also a Freephone number for help to claim Universal Credit.
CEO of Citizens Advice Mendip, Ian Byworth said, “Of course, for many of our clients who know where to find us and for our staff and volunteers who have worked there over the years, it is a sad day.
“But, as funding becomes ever tighter, the increasing costs of staying put in King Street were no longer sustainable. I want to reassure the people of Frome though that we are committed to supporting them. So, we have to find different and smarter ways of providing the same service.
“We are already able to offer advice by freephone, through our website and by email. In addition, we are working with partner agencies to open up advice access points in Frome. This will increase the number of places where you can get advice from us and also provide the option of a face-to-face appointment, if needed.”
You can access free, independent and confidential advice from Citizens Advice Mendip by visiting their website www.citizensadvicemendip.org.uk for details of how to email them. Alternatively, you can contact their free Somerset Adviceline on 0808 27 87 842 (open Mon-Fri, 10.00-4.00).
