Members of staff at Ross Library are delighted to be offering a new service as part of the Citizen’s Advice help that already takes place there.

Citizen’s Advice is currently available fortnightly on Mondays, and local library users and residents are able to talk and receive help about a range of concerns, such as financial and legal problems. Ross Town Council currently provide £10,000 a year to maintain the service there.

As part of a nationwide change, the Citizen’s Advice service will now begin helping people with Universal Credit.

Annette Colwell, who works at Ross Library in a customer services role told the Ross Gazette: “This is a vital tool for many people in the town. Not only will we help people by giving advice, but we can sit with them on the computers and help them with their application. It is important that people can use this Library as a space to receive help.” Annette added that around 300-400 people use the library everyday, and believes this will increase the footfall.

Mrs Joyce Thomas MBE DL and a former President of the Ross-on-Wye and District Citizen’s Advice Bureau told the Ross Gazette: “I am delighted that the CAB, which is now organised via the Worcester CAB, is now back in the town.

“It will provide a free, independent, impartial and confidential advice service to the people of Ross-on-Wye.

Advice is available for a range of issues relating to work, benefits, debt and money, consumer, housing and many more.”

Mayor of Ross, Harry Bramer said: “This is another good reason why the Library is required in the town. This is an important resource for many people.”

To request help with dealing with Universal Credit, an appointment must be made. Call 0344 826 9685 or send a text message with the word ROSS followed by your name to 0786 00 77 311. Texts cost the same as texting a normal UK mobile number.See this week’s paper for more stories like this, available in shops and as a Digital Edition now.