Council service is closed for repair

ACCESS DENIED . . .Oldham Civic Centre 'Access Oldham' closed due to health and safety reasons.

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ACCESS Oldham remains closed, following a ceiling tile which fell from the roof inside the building, while the council carry out repairs.

On Monday evening a ceiling tile from the roof inside fell and as a result Access Oldham at the Civic Centre was closed to the public so essential repairs could be made.

The incident caused a number of operational issues and a skeleton service operated within the foyer of the building with staff available to answer general queries and signpost residents to how they can get help.

As staff were unable to access back office systems for information to update the public on claims, residents were asked to call the Contact Centre instead.

Residents were directed to Oldham Library to access the computers to make new claims or change in circumstances and alternative locations in the town centre are currently being considered.

Yesterday, on their website, Oldham Council said: "On Monday evening, a ceiling tile fell from the roof inside Access Oldham, as a result of this Access Oldham will be closed for access to the general public while essential repairs are made.

"We are currently looking for an alternative location in the town centre which will be up and running for members of the public to visit tomorrow."

They continued: "There is currently no access to public computers in Access Oldham.

"If you need to make a claim or register a change of circumstances you should either do this at home or at Oldham Library and Lifelong Learning Centre where members of staff are waiting to help.

"We are working hard to ensure appointments booked in Access Oldham can take place in an alternative location in the Civic Centre.

"We apologise for any inconvenience caused."