Council customer services get new look

Recent visitors to Rochdale Council's Customer Service Centre on Floor 2 of the Municipal Offices in Rochdale will have noticed it's been revamped, with a bright new look. The old fashioned interior has been replaced by a modern, well-lit, welcoming one fit for the 21st century, complete with new furniture, waiting area, additional counters and displays.

The new open plan centre, that has already received positive feedback from customers, is the principal physical access point for customers requiring services in Rochdale. As well as providing residents with face-to-face contact on Housing, Council Tax, Benefits, Planning, Environmental Management and other matters, it also allows direct access to information from the council and its partners.

Head of Customer Services Ann Wardle said that the centre needed a fresh look: "We've really improved the visitor experience, not only is the atmosphere so much better, but the new layout will reduce waiting times too. People seem to really like it."

Council Leader Alan Taylor said the centre is just part of a programme to improve the way the council looks after its customers: "I am pleased to see the improvements here, I want it to be a welcoming place to visit. These new facilities demonstrate our commitment to the community, providing the best and most convenient services possible. We'll also shortly be officially opening our Contact Centre, which is already handling the majority of telephone enquiries quickly and efficiently."

Councillor Keith Swift said the revamped customer service centre is the first stage of a series of improvements being rolled out across the borough: "Joint service centres are planned for Littleborough, Middleton and Heywood, to further improve the council's response to the needs of the local community."

The customer service centre in Rochdale is one of seven in the borough.