Customer service points opening this July

Customers will be able to gain information and advice about council services in person across the Dorset Council area from Monday 5 July.

Since March 2020, due to COVID-19, many more people have been accessing services through the council’s website or by phone, and for many this is their preferred method, but the new customer service points will offer a welcome return to face-to-face service.

Support with council services will be available at libraries in Dorchester, Wareham, Weymouth and Wimborne and at Nordon Lodge, Blandford.

Customer services will be able to assist with council enquiries or urgent needs that cannot be supported over the phone or online.

The continued safety of customers and employees is paramount. There will be pre-booked appointments unless an enquiry requires support due to its complexity or the vulnerability of the person concerned.

All locations will follow the latest COVID-19 guidelines and social distancing measures to ensure customers are kept safe.

Cllr Jill Haynes, Dorset Council’s Portfolio Holder for Customer and Community Services said:

“Providing support for customers who cannot access our services digitally, or who need face-to-face assistance is important as we come out of COVID-19 restrictions.

“Our libraries already offer a range of services and information, with some incorporating Citizens Advice, Skills and Learning, and other voluntary and community network groups, so it makes perfect sense locating customer services under the same roof. They have been open for a while now and all locations, including Nordon Lodge, have measures in place to ensure customers are COVID-safe.

“Many of our customers prefer to access our services through our website or by telephone. Over the past 12 months, we have reviewed how we can transform delivery of our services and have been further improving the online experience.

“We will continue to monitor developments concerning COVID-19 in line with Government guidance and would like to thank residents and businesses for their understanding throughout the pandemic.”

Customer services opening hours

Customer service points will be available at the following locations. Times may differ from library opening hours.

Blandford Nordon Lodge 58 Salisbury Road Blandford Forum   DT11 7LN	Monday, Wednesday and Friday: 10.00am-4.00pm
Dorchester Library & Learning Centre South Walks House Charles Street Dorchester   DT1 1EE	Monday: 10.00am-5.00pm Tuesday: 9.30am-5.00pm Wednesday: 9.30am-1.00pm Thursday:  9.30am-5.00pm Friday: 9.30am-5.00 pm
Wareham Library South Street Wareham   BH20 4LR	Monday: 10.00am-5.00pm Tuesday:  2.00pm-5.00pm Thursday: 9.30am-5.00pm Friday: 9.30am-5.00pm
Weymouth Library & Learning Centre Great George Street Weymouth   DT4 8NN	Monday: 10.00am-5.00pm Tuesday:  9.30am-5.00pm Wednesday: 9.30am-1.00pm Thursday:  9.30am-5.00pm Friday:  9.30am-5.00pm
Wimborne Library  Crown Mead High Street Wimborne    BH21 1HH	Monday: 10.00am-5.00pm Tuesday: 9.30am-1.00pm Thursday: 9.30am-5.00pm Friday: 9.30am-5.00pm

Face-to face customer access at County Hall and South Walks House Dorchester, and Westport House, Wareham has now been moved to libraries in the locations above. Customer access points in other parts of Dorset are being considered as part of plans to ensure people who need to access essential council services face-to-face can do so locally.

Libraries

The existing library experience will not be affected by the introduction of the new customer service points. Library opening hours/days remain unchanged. For details of your library’s opening hours, visit www.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/libraries or telephone 01305 221000.

Free (bookable) computer access remains available at all Dorset libraries.

Get in touch or access services online

Customers can contact Dorset Council from anywhere in Dorset, Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 5pm by calling Dorset Direct on 01305 221000 (out of hours service operates outside these time), email customerservices@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk or access services online.