A LETTERS correspondent last week wrote about the lack of face-to-face contact with council officers at Hove Town Hall.

Hove Town Hall reception was opened up to the public before May, albeit in a more limited capacity than before the pandemic.

Given the huge volume of enquiries in connection with vehicle parking permits and the like, it makes sense that this has moved online.

Blue badges for genuine disabled people are also now dealt with online, along with bus pass concessions.

Having visited Hove Town Hall in June and July myself I found the reception staff remarkably welcoming and helpful.

Whilst in the reception area I unfortunately witnessed a male customer ranting at a new receptionist about a disabled "blue badge ". The young lady explained

that such matters were dealt with online and directed him to the council website.

Now there are certainly a couple of council departments that I have had issues with but barking at the reception staff will not help.

Please take a few deep breaths and ask for help, then listen to advice.

In my experience the front line staff at Hove Town Hall go out of their way to help customers.

S Zapello

Address supplied