Residents concerned about the changes to the way they apply for their blue disability badges, or pay their council tax when Herefordshire Council withdraws customer services at the Library in Ross-on-Wye should not be worried, a council spokesperson told the Ross Gazette.

Two years ago Herefordshire Council agreed to the staged withdrawal of customer services in the market towns, including Ross.

During this time they have been working to ensure that customers will not be adversely affected by the changes.

The spokesperson told the Gazette that the way people interact with the Council has changed. Many people no longer need face to face contact. They go online or use the telephone to register changes, for example with the council tax details or they make payments via internet banking or at the local Post Office.

The spokesperson said all these changes are being advertised in plenty of time in the library. Anyone with any concerns should either speak to the service desk before April 1st or call Herefordshire Council on 01432 260000.

Natalia Silver, Assistant Director for Communities at Herefordshire Council: “In recent years Herefordshire Council has responded to customer demand with more and more services available online that can be accessed at a time which suits them. People who have specific needs will continue to be supported through appointments in the market towns and in Hereford, along with a free phone line, payment through a range of local outlets and direct debit. For people who want to improve their online skills in Ross, there will be free training sessions available at the library.”