PEOPLE returning to Bridgwater House for their council services will be greeted in a sprakling new reception area.

Since the start of the pandemic in March last year, Sedgemoor District Council staff have continued to serve our customers - albeit not in the traditional way of people coming into reception.

In line with various government guidelines over that time, the Bridgwater House reception has been closed.

"We have taken that time to plan ahead and now have a new reception area in our main offices in King Square," said a council spokesperson.

"This means that we will be able to help customers in a safe, quick and efficient manner in a modern setting.

"We are pleased to announce that the doors to Bridgwater House will re-open with Covid-safe measures on Monday, October 4."

The new reception design and layout has been discussed with our customer panel, partner organisations, staff and councillors, they said, and as well as boasting a new look and design, the way in which we deal with customers in reception is also changing. 

Rather than being seated behind a desk, customer service advisors will now meet-and-greet customers, offering help and advice at first point of contact.

"Staff can also help make appointments and escort customers to meetings," the spokesperson said.

"This individual approach makes sure that all customers have a friendly and efficient service."

For customers who prefer a quick ‘in-and-out’ visit, there will be self-help kiosks and video calling facilities so that staff can meet their customers virtually where appropriate.

"However, we would remind customers that there are still many ways in which we can help you as we have done since March 2020, without the need of a journey into Bridgwater House," they added.