The Norwich Council Information Centre, in the Millennium Library, boasts a team of specially trained staff able to advise people on anything from bin collection dates to reporting potholes. They can even help in filling out forms.
It is a collaboration between Norfolk County Council, Broadland District Council and South Norfolk Council and staff are trained in all spheres.
Two of the information officers who will work at the centre are Karen Downer and Vicky Waller.
Ms Downer said: "Because the Millennium Library is so central in Norwich, it is the ideal place for people to visit.
"We have found that many people prefer to discuss things in person and like the fact that we have time to listen to them. We even have a private interview room if required."
The information centre is one of the first in the country.
Frequent users of the existing centres include older people, people with long-term illness or disabilities and those whose first language is not English.
Matthew Cross, chairman of the Norfolk Connect Partnership, which jointly funds the centre, said: "We know that many people aren't always aware of which council offers their services, and this information centre will give them the help they need.
"We have created a service that focuses on citizens needs above geographical or organisational boundaries."
He added that because Norwich was a major regional centre it was important for a wealth of information to be available for people to access.
Janet Norman Philips, head of e-Government at South Norfolk Council, said: "This is a really exciting project which we hope our residents will take full advantage of.
"If you are out shopping in Norwich, if you are working in Norwich, in fact if you are visiting Norwich for any reason, you can pop into the Forum and find out about South Norfolk Council's services."
Caryl Wright, information centre project manager from Norfolk County Council, said: "I hope the Norfolk people take full advantage of this convenient local resource, especially as it continues to grow to offer more services over time."
A number of agencies are expected to hold surgeries at the centre, including Age Concern and the Department for Work and Pensions.
Quelle: Evening News 24, 28.05.2004
