PENDLE'S first 'council shop' officially opened its doors to its customers with a promise of more to come.

The 'shop' in Barnoldswick offers people face-to-face help and advice on a wide range of Pendle Council services.

It was officially launched by Pendle Mayor Councillor Jo Belbin having 'unofficially' opened its doors on May 27.

The council says it has already proved a big hit with local people, who no longer need to contact town halls several miles away.

Shop manager Olwen Lund said: "Over 850 people visited the shop in the first week of opening.

"The first impressions and early feedback have been excellent and extremely encouraging. "Local people seem to have taken to it and tell us they think it is a good move and that it will be an asset to the town."

As well as providing information, the shop will also be holding regular surgeries about a number of council services.

Council leader Alan Davies added: "The shop is carefully monitoring inquiries and we will be tailoring surgeries to meet the needs of local people.

" We want to provide the best possible service for them and are very interested in their comments, both about the shop and the council in general."

The Barnoldswick site should be the first of many in Pendle.

The pilot scheme is expected to be followed by shops in Nelson, Colne and Brierfield.

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