A charity which provides free impartial advice to the people of North Herts completed its move to a larger premise in Letchworth yesterday.

After four months of work to convert a former retail unit, dentist’s surgery and former restaurant into one combined unit at 49 Station Road, Citizens Advice North Hertfordshire is now open to the public at its new base.

The move from Leys Avenue has been made possible thanks to support from the Letchworth Heritage Foundation – which owns the site and has leased it for 15 years – and grants from North Hertfordshire District Council.

It is twice the size of the charity’s previous base.

Demand from clients for the services that Citizens Advice North Hertfordshire provides has increased by 30 percent over the last two years, and the charity has attracted an additional 10 per cent more volunteers to meet demand.

Advice services manager Roanne Mangham said: “We really needed to move to accommodate our growth and to secure a long-term home.

“This move will enable us to see more clients, double the capacity for our telephone advice service, train more volunteers and allow our volunteers to benefit from a more modern office environment.

“Clients will notice the difference, with two extra client interview rooms, giving us a total of five interview rooms for face-to-face advice consultations.”

The charity’s chief executive, Rionach Aiken, added: “We help around 4,500 individuals each year across North Herts, of which 42 percent are Letchworth residents.

“Getting good advice across a range of issues really helps, and we solve problems for two in every three clients, and 80 percent of clients experience a positive change in their lives after getting their problem solved.

“Our new Letchworth base provides a solid hub for our operations across North Herts, and we are looking forward to welcoming clients at our new premises.”

You can call them on 03444 111 444 or visit northhertscab.org.uk.