Torquay and Brixham connections offices will be closing on Monday 5 October and will reopen on Monday 2 November.
The move has been agreed by the Mayor’s Executive Group to enable the council to explore what impact there will be if these two facilities are permanently closed to meet future financial challenges.
During the four week closure information will be gathered on the potential increase in footfall at Paignton Library and Information Centre, where a Connections Service will remain open. Customers that may be affected by the closure of Connections at Torquay and Brixham will also be consulted. All this information will be used to fully understand the implications for customers, council services and the wider community and will inform any future business plan.
Executive Lead for Customer Services, Councillor David Morris, said: “Torbay Council will be facing further budget pressures over the next few years and more difficult decisions have to be made to ensure that we use our reducing resources the most effectively.
“We know that any decision to close Torquay and Brixham Connections will have an impact on customers, so we are carrying out this temporary closure to gain a better understanding of the issues before making a decision on any possible permanent closures.
“I would encourage anyone who uses Connections to let us know their views so we can take them into consideration when deciding on a future operating model for the service.”
Information will be gathered during the trial period and a full online consultation will be available for residents between Monday 5 October and Wednesday 11 November at www.torbay/gov.uk/consultation
Customers who usually visit Torquay and Brixham Connections can contact Torbay Council in the following ways:
• Visit the website – www.torbay.gov.uk
• Telephone :
o Housing Options – 01803 208723
o Housing Benefits & Council Tax Support – 01803 207201
o Council Tax – 01803 207201
o Business Rates – 01803 207201
o Community Safety – 01803 208025
o Electoral Services- 01803 208008
o Crisis Support – 0800 9176832 (Free phone)
o Parking – 01803 207695
o Main Switchboard – 01803 201201
• Visit Paignton Connections, open Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm (excluding Bank Holidays).
Address: Paignton Library & Information Centre, Great Western Road, Paignton, TQ4 5AG.
• Customers in Torquay can use secure post boxes outside the Town Hall
o Deposit documents for scanning in the post box on the corner opposite Upton Vale Church.
o Deposit information regarding Crisis Support applications in the post box on the corner by the public phone booths.
• Customers in Brixham also have access to the following facilities during Brixham Library opening hours:
o The free phone for Torbay Council services remains available in the Library.
o A secure post box located in the library can be used to deposit documents for scanning.
Brixham Library opening hours are:
Monday – 9.30am – 5pm
Tuesday – 9.30am – 6pm (The call centre is only open until 5pm)
Wednesday 9.30am – 1pm
Thursday – 9.30am -5pm
Friday – 9.30am – 1pm
