North Ayrshire Council will begin the phased re-opening of services in some of its busiest locations following updated Covid guidance on hybrid working.
The local authority's customer service centres in Bridgegate, Irvine and Saltcoats Town Hall will re-open for face-to-face services from Monday, February 21.
Housing offices in Kilwinning and Dalry are set to re-open the week after on Monday, February 28, alongside the council’s shared health and social care and housing office in Kilbirnie; and shared NHS Ayrshire & Arran facility at Brooksby Medical Centre, Largs.
Chiefs say that, In the interestks of public safety, doors will remain closed and queue management will be in place. People wishing to visit these locations are also encouraged to make an appointment beforehand.
The council headquarters at Cunninghame House is currently anticipated to re-open in April.
Council leader Joe Cullinane said: “Throughout the pandemic, we have closely followed Scottish Government workplace guidance. We are now in a position which allows us to move towards a gradual and phased re-opening of our public buildings.
“By taking this approach, we can all soon look forward to the chance to experience some face-to-face meetings and appointments and enjoy the social interactions we have all missed so much.”
A decision on the re-opening of further face-to-face services is expected in the near future. Residents are encouraged to continue contacting the council either online or via the phone in the first instance.
Updates to risk assessments and further health and safety checks will continue at the council’s other public buildings in the coming weeks to prepare them for re-opening.
Councillor Cullinane added: “Our working arrangements over the last two years have enabled many services to be successfully delivered remotely and we will continue to embrace the advantages of the digital technology that we have relied on throughout the pandemic.
"An example of this will be to continue virtual meetings as an excellent alternative to in-person meetings, helping to reduce travel and, in turn, our carbon footprint.
“We will still be encouraging staff who can, to work some time from home and some time in the office.
“We would also like to take this opportunity to thank our residents for their support over the past two years.”
Visitors to Bridgegate or Saltcoats Town Hall – and future locations set to re-open – will be asked to respect the safety measures which will be in place, including social distancing.
A one-way system will be in operation, screens and hand sanitising stations will also be positioned and soft furnishings have been removed as there are currently no waiting areas in these locations.
Bridgegate and Saltcoats Town Hall will operate the standard hours of Monday to Thursday, 9am to 4.45pm, and Friday, 9am to 4.30pm.
If you require assistance from North Ayrshire Council but are not sure where best to find help, get in touch with the customer contact centre directly on (01294) 310 000 or visit www.north-ayrshire.gov.uk
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