Ross Town Councillors are concerned that plans to change Ross Citizens Advice Bureau into an appointment only service will "change the whole nature of the CAB". At Monday's meeting of the Town Council, they said they were pleased that the pilot scheme at the Corn Exchange is to be extended until the end of August but, alarmed that a national directive wants the CAB volunteers to end the drop-in service and see clients only by appointment. Joyce Thomas MBE DL and Paul Deneen DL campaigned to bring the CAB to the Town Council Office. Standing orders were suspended at the meeting so that Mrs Thomas could explain the situation. She said it could mean that the Town Clerk and Deputy Clerk would have to take appointment details. Councillor Phil Cutter said that he was glad to have been involved in setting up the CAB at the Council offices, and added: "It has been very successful indeed, and the location in the centre of town means that if someone has an urgent problem which seems very large to them they can have a brief discussion about it and then make an appointment." Deputy Mayor, Councillor John Edwards said he was worried about the Council staff being involved, and was concerned about the confidentiality aspect. Councillor David Ravenscroft asked if they could not come to some sort of compromise with the CAB. "The CAB is not the same sort of organisation as it was," said Councillor Derek Bedford. "This is bureaucracy gone mad. I am not in favour of our staff doing the work of the CAB. This has changed the whole nature of the CAB." Councillor Gordon Lucas said that it seemed as though the CAB were trying to reduce the number of clients. Councillor Jenny Hyde suggested: "We should send a letter to the CAB expressing our disquiet and asking if there is any way around it." This was agreed and Councillor Jane Roberts said they should also ask the Herefordshire Council members to look into it. The Town Clerk, Denise Mason, said that she understood that the requests would be put on forms inside sealed envelopes and then they would label them with numbers in order of appointments, but Councillor Hyde said: "Some of the most vulnerable people haven't the ability to write down what they want." After the meeting she told The Ross Gazette: "The pilot scheme was due to end in June. I am delighted it has been extended until September. The project has been a huge success. I understand the appointment system which is to be put in place is national CAB policy. We appreciate very much the co-operation of Ross Town Council, Herefordshire CAB, and all those who generously gave donations but praise must be given to those dedicated their time and expertise so generously, week after week."