CIVIC chiefs have unveiled Winchester City Council’s new reception area following a revamp.

The Colebrook Street facility has now been upgraded to include new cash kiosks, and residents seeking support on planning, housing, licensing and benefit payments will be able to use upgraded consultation areas.

It is hoped that the improvements will reduce waiting times.

Portfolio holder for customer services Cllr Stephen Godfrey officially opened the new reception at an event on Monday.

He said: “People don’t want to have their time taken up by simple tasks, which is why we are making their transactions with us so much simpler.

“Our new kiosks will allow people to make quick payments, while those needing more support will have improved privacy in the upgraded consultation areas.

“This is the first of a series of measures we are taking that will make it easier for our customers to conduct business with the council. We are changing the way we do business, improving access to our services and over the next year we will review the processes within our services with a view to making them as efficient and as simple as possible.

“We have already moved a number of our services online and it won’t be long until the rest follow.”

Charity Citizen’s Advice Winchester District is also relocating next to the council reception area from its previous base on St George’s Street.