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I refer to your article about the closure of the Whitchurch CAB where I am a volunteer.

Firstly, I would like to point out that the Whitchurch CAB is in fact open two days a week – Tuesdays for a drop in (gateway) service, with some appointments, and an appointment only system on a Wednesday.

It is a busy bureau, with plenty of willing volunteers, and could easily open another day a week. It is rare that appointment slots are not fully booked.

I would also like to point out that the Adviceline telephone number is a non-geographical phone line and hence can be expensive to phone from a mobile phone, which many of our clients rely on these days.

Furthermore, many clients complain about not being able to get through on the number – it is certainly not a realistic alternative to the current service in Whitchurch.

Despite endeavours by the volunteers, we have been unable to get detailed information from Citizens Advice Shropshire about the real cost of operating the Whitchurch bureau. We are confident we could find some local funding to support the continuance of the service, but need more information from CAS to do this.

We are certainly not letting this valuable service leave the town without a fight!

For those who are interested, the AGM of Citizens Advice Shropshire takes place in Shrewsbury on Wednesday 27th November. All are welcome to attend and we will certainly be there expressing our frustration at the lack of consultation regarding the closure of the bureau.
Nicola Rogers
CAB Whitchurch volunteer

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