The Wilson Centre in Alfred Gelder Street. Hull.
The Wilson Centre in Alfred Gelder Street, Hull.

Wilson Centre reopens next week

Hull’s flagship customer service centre will reopen to the public on Tuesday 4 August.

The city-centre based Wilson Centre will be available for residents who are unable to have queries dealt with online or over the phone.

The Hull Citizens Advice service will also be available to see customers in person at the Wilson Centre from this date.

Councillor Mike Thompson, portfolio holder for neighbourhoods and communities, said: “I am pleased we are able to open the Wilson Centre for those who have been unable to have problems dealt with online or by our call centre.

“There are more than 80 council services that can be accessed via www.hull.gov.uk and it has been encouraging to see so many residents successfully using them in recent weeks and months during the pandemic.

“The safety of our staff and customers is paramount and I would strongly urge anyone who can avoid visiting a centre to continue to do so for the time being.”

Restrictions will be in place allowing up to 12 people into the buildings at any time, with social distancing queues arranged outside.

Therefore customers are required to go online to request an appointment or call. Only if the query cannot be dealt with over the phone, will the customer receive an appointment slot. Customers will be unable to attend at the centre without an appointment.

Citizens Advice is also offering help and support by appointment.

Perspex screens have been installed across the sites to protect both staff and customers and regular cleaning of equipment will be implemented.

Meet and greet staff will be wearing face screens for safety reasons and visitors will be asked to use the hand sanitiser provided.

Lesley Thornley, chief executive of Hull Citizens Advice said: “We know that people’s advice problems have not gone away during lockdown and we are pleased that our service is able to re-open to members of the public who need face-to-face assistance.

“The number of appointments we are able to make available are very limited and residents are advised to contact us for advice by telephone in the first instance, by calling Freephone 03444 111444.

“Our advisers will support people as much as possible over the phone, and if necessary will book an appointment.”

For the first week the centre will be open Monday to Friday, 10am until 3pm. Any changes to opening times after this will be advertised at hull.gov.uk.

Customers are advised to avoid peak times and, where possible, visit alone. Anyone displaying symptoms of Covid-19 are still asked to self-isolate at home.

Councillor Stephen Brady
National Play Day