PUBLIC sector staff will be going the extra mile to ensure the people of Fishersgate have access to support and advice on their doorstep.

From Thursday June 22 members of Adur & Worthing Councils’ Customer Service Team and Adur Homes will temporarily be based within the community as part of a weekly roadshow.

The initiative emerged from a meeting of the Action Eastbrook partnership where concerns were raised that the current customer service centre in Shoreham was difficult to get to for some residents.

By taking advisors to a community building, the hope is that residents will be more likely to access Adur District Council’s services.

Councillor Carson Albury, Adur District Council’s executive member for customer services, said: “As a local authority we are always looking for ways to improve how we serve our local communities.

“I hope this innovative move, where staff are literally going the extra mile, will ensure some of our most vulnerable residents receive the support and advice they need.

“The fact we can do this without reducing the capacity at the existing and newly-refurbished customer service point at The Shoreham Centre is testament to the professionalism and commitment of our staff.”

The team will be based in the Fishersgate Community Centre between 9.30am and 12 noon every Thursday.

Access will be provided for all council services, mirroring the service currently provided at The Shoreham Centre.

Residents will be able to ask questions and get advice on issues like social housing repairs, tenancy issues, housing benefit, refuse and recycling and environmental health.

I.T. Junction volunteers will also be present to help customers who need assistance with self service.

The trial will run until August. If successful it will start again in September becoming a regular service.