Hours cut back at Chelmsley's Connect Centre

OPENING hours at the  Solihull Connect centre in Chelmsley Wood have been cut back.
The alterations, which will initially operate on a trial basis, took effect last Saturday (August 3).
The walk-in service, which is available inside the Bluebell Centre, will now be available on Monday to Friday (9am-4.30pm) and 10am-4.30pm on Wednesdays.
This is half an hour less than under the old arrangements.
A decision has also been taken to axe the service on Saturday mornings, with residents having previously been able to drop in from 9am-1pm.
While the council has defended the shake-up, it had been accused of cost-cutting when details about the changes first emerged earlier in the year.
Following a backlash, it was agreed that the alterations would be temporary to begin with and a particularly controversial proposal to scrap the face-to-face service in Shirley altogether was dropped.
Coun Alison Rolf, the cabinet member for stronger and safer communities, said: "We are continually looking at how we can make our services more efficient and meet customer demand.
"While the majority of residents choose to contact us digitally or use the self-serve machines, there are some that still like to talk to an advisor in person or over the phone and this cannot be undervalued."
During the trial, local people are being asked to give their views. You can have your say on the council's website.