Monmouthshire County Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) is now operating in Monmouth ensuring that the town's residents continue to have ready access to free and independent advice. 

Brian Counsell, chair of Monmouthshire County CAB, said his organisation had worked hard to ensure services would continue in Monmouth following the recent decision of the town-based bureau to close. 

"We were saddened to hear of Monmouth CAB's decision to close after its proud history of offering advice services in the town," he said. "We are pleased, however, to be able to continue their excellent work and grateful to many of the experienced Monmouth volunteers who will be helping us in this new endeavour. We also thank the trustees and management of the town bureau for their support in enabling the service to continue.

The most important thing is that the residents of Monmouth will continue to have access to advice to deal with the complex issues of modern life such as debt, employment or housing concerns," he said.

Face-to-face advice sessions will be provided from the existing CAB premises on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 10am to 2pm. Telephone advice (0344 477 2020) is available from Monday to Friday, 10.00-16.00, while online advice is available at http://www.adviceguide.org.uk">www.adviceguide.org.uk.

Monmouthshire County CAB was formed in September 2013 when the former Abergavenny, Caldicot and Chepstow CABs merged in response to funding and other challenges.

Mr. Counsell said the bureau had been successful in its bid for funding from Monmouthshire County Council to provide advice services across the county, and in just over 18 months of operation had not only retained its original town-based offices but also opened outreach services in Usk and Wyesham. 

"We will work closely with town and community councils in Monmouth to ensure that local needs are well understood and that the first class service that people are used to will continue," Mr. Counsell added.