MEASURES are being put in place to safely accommodate appointments at a vital advice service in the Wee County.

Throughout the coronavirus pandemic, the around 30 volunteers and staff of Clackmannanshire Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) in Alloa have continued to deliver a range of advice services remotely.

They are hoping to re-start appointments once safe to do so and until then, people can continue to access advice remotely.

Unfortunately, due to social distancing requirements and owing to the stay at home message, drop ins and appointments had to be called off.

However, people have been able to access advice via the phone and emails while Clacks CAB kept working closely with other local organisations.

The local branch has reported a significant change in the type of inquiries it is receiving from Wee County residents.

There has been a shift with a large increase in people seeking advice on employment and related issues.

Since the start of the outbreak in Scotland, Clacks CAB has been able to secure additional money form the government's Wellbeing Fund.

This will go toward supporting households in the Wee County who pay for their gas and electricity via pre-paid meters and have been adversely affected by Covid-19.

It is a limited fund, only available for a short period of time.

People who feel they may be eligible for assistance are asked to contact the CAB using the details further below.

Those applying will be asked to complete a short questionnaire to ensure they meet the criteria and Clacks CAB will the arrange for credit to be added to the meter.

While arrangements are being put in place, the CAB office on Burgh Mews is not yet open to the public and services are being delivered via telephone on 01259 219 404 or use bureau@clackscab.casonline.org.uk to email.

Alternatively, visit clackscab.org.uk and request advice via the website.