Library transfer will bring one-stop shop for ACCESS services

OPENING: Hours will be extended for customers in Brechin, Kirriemuir and Monifieth

Angus Council ACCESS provision which includes advice on services and formfilling help is to be brought into local libraries in three burghs across the district.

From the end of this month, Brechin, Kirriemuir and Monifieth residents will have the one-stop shop which council chiefs say has been designed to enhance the experience of customers in the towns.

The arrangement follows an agreement between the council and its armslength culture and leisure trust, Angus Alive to transfer the face-to-face ACCESS services to the libraries.

The change will come into place on Monday May 29.

It has also been confirmed that police counter services which were part of the set-up in Kirriemuir and Monifieth will continue under the new arrangement.

Angus Alive chief executive Kirsty Hunter said: “This is an excellent opportunity for us to provide local services at one unified site, rather than two separate buildings, and ensure our resources are where they are needed most to help the communities we serve.

“As a result of the transition to singlesite delivery, we will increase the availability of face-to-face ACCESS services for local people.

“This includes being open one late night, as well as on Saturday mornings and at lunchtimes which will provide greater flexibility and convenience for the people who use our services.

“We look forward to welcoming our customers to the libraries in Brechin, Kirriemuir and Monifieth where they will see the same friendly people who serve them now and receive the same ACCESS services, just in a different place.”

ACCESS services include assisting customers with submitting forms such as housing, welfare and concessionary travel applications, as well as providing general council service information.

Changes to delivery of ACCESS services in Carnoustie are also under way as part of a wider plan to improve the High Street library there.

A council spokesperson added: “Angus Council agreed to use the Reform Street Kirriemuir ACCESS building and the Brechin Municipal ACCESS buildings as locality hub facilities to deliver a range of community based services.

“We are also looking at interim use of these buildings by locality-based service teams during the transitional period.”

This is an excellent opportunity for us to provide local services at one unified site.

ANGUS ALIVE CHIEF EXECUTIVE KIRSTY HUNTER