Reception desk hours will be extended at Uttlesford District Council's offices in Saffron Walden, starting from Monday, March 20.

The council has been running a reduced opening schedule for its front desk service for the last three years, but from next week will fully reopen to the public.

Opening hours are now from 8.30am to 5pm Monday to Thursday and from 9am to 4.30pm on Fridays.

The council will also be reinstating card payments within the next few weeks, following a major upgrade of systems - meaning customers will once again be able to visit the offices to pay their council bills.

Council leader Cllr Petrina Lees said: "There has been a gradual increase in the number of people who visit the Saffron Walden offices and need to speak to a member of staff face to face.

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"Although the numbers are nowhere near back to pre-pandemic levels, we nonetheless feel this additional day opening in the week will be of benefit to those customers who really need it.

"I’m also pleased that we will soon be able to take card payments once again – this will make it much easier for those customers who want to pay their council bills this way."