CHELMSFORD Council is paving the way towards a new reception area – and better service.

Work is being carried out at the main office in Duke Street to improve facilities for customers.

While this is done, the council has opened a temporary reception area in the ground floor Coval Lane building.

Ian Grundy, the councillor responsible for the redevelopment of the Civic Centre, said: “Customers are at the heart of our work and this investment will significantly improve the overall customer experience, as well as bring about improvements for staff.

“I would ask our customers to remain patient while using the temporary reception, in the knowledge we will be able to deliver a first-class service once these refurbishments are complete.”

The temporary reception area will have a waiting area, three desks to meet with advisors, three private meeting rooms and a payment kiosk for those customers wishing to make payments by cash or card.

A queuing system will help to ensure a smooth flow of customers through the area, although people are being encouraged to make an appointment where possible, as space will be limited.

While the construction work is being carried out on the main reception, which is likely to be completed by the end of the year, visitors will be asked to go to different parts of the Civic Centre site for different services.