Cash-strapped Preston City Council has announced from this morning visitors will no longer be met at a council building.
The reception in Lancastria House, which houses some council services such as planning and building control, is now shut to the public.
It is the first-step in closing the building and moving council services elsewhere during 2013.
Leader of the council Peter Rankin said residents should visit the Town Hall or speak to officers over the phone.
He said: “This decision has been made in order to make the council more efficient in the way we deal with our customers. Like many organisations, the council has to adapt to new ways of working, and as well as the One Stop Shop dealing with enquiries face to face, there has been recent investment in the council website, www.preston.gov.uk making it easier and even more convenient to do business in this way.”
A council spokeswoman said the closure of the reception was expected to save around £100,000.
Officers based in Lancastria House will still meet people, but only if they make an appointment. Any documents, such as planning applications, should be taken to the Town Hall.
What do you think about the decision? Should the council sell off Lancastria House? Let us know your views in the comments below
Image credit to George D Thompson