MID Devon District Council’s Head of Customer First and Communications, Liz Reeves, has issued the following statement in response to questions asked by the “Courier” in relation to the announcement that MDDC is to end its fortnightly surgery service on July 31.

Ms Reeves explains: “When the full-time service in the Crediton office ceased last year, to assist with the transition a surgery was provided to ensure we were able to support customers who need help to access our services.

“From April 2016 to March 2017 there have been 359 visits to the surgery for information or to provide documents to support applications.

“Since April 2016 it has not been possible to make payments at the office and customers have used the range of alternative methods available to make payments for our various services and taxes.

“Applications for our services and for Housing Benefit can also be made on-line or over the telephone. Many applications need supporting evidence and this can be sent in by post or email and details of what is acceptable are provided by each service.

“Information is provided on our website for customers with details of how to contact us, make payments, where to purchase garden waste sacks, etc. and this will be updated when the surgery ends to ensure we provide all the information customers will need.

“The decision to end this service has been taken to ensure that staff resource is used effectively to assist customers throughout Mid Devon, and support a variety of ways to contact us that suit the varied preferences of all our customers, regardless of their location across the district, such as over the telephone, email, on-line and social media.

“Our Head office in Tiverton remains open daily from 9am to 5pm (4.30pm on a Friday). The telephone contact centre for advice and help with any of our services is open daily from 8.30am to 5pm (4.30pm Fridays) and our contact number is 01884 255255.  Also, there are a range of online forms and information on our website: www.middevon.gov.uk .

“These changes are necessary to ensure MDDC are making the best use of staff time and to provide the best service within budget to all of our customers throughout Mid Devon.”

Crediton Town Clerk, Mrs Clare Dalley, said she is “disappointed” that MDDC has decided to withdraw the service from the town without any consultation.

She added: “I think it is disgusting and MDDC should re-consider and continue this much-needed surgery service.”

Alan Quick