Siop officially opens its doors

A new service for people who wish to discuss their council matters face to face has been officially opened today by Gwynedd Council Chairman, Councillor Selwyn Griffiths and the Police and Crime Commissioner for North , Mr Winston Roddick.

Siop Gwynedd Caernarfon is located at Gwynedd Council’s Headquarters on Castle Street and is a one-stop-shop for all Gwynedd Council services; open Monday to Friday, 9am-5pm.

The new Siop Gwynedd includes six individual rooms where members of the public can discuss personal matters with Council officers, gain free access to the Council’s website and all its online services, as well as self-service desks and a telephone booth. Free broadband is also available via the Digital Gwynedd wi-fi network.

Councillor Ioan Thomas, Gwynedd Council’s Cabinet member with responsibility for customer care, said:

“Siop Gwynedd Caernarfon offers a convenient and welcoming service to those who wish to gain access to Council services in this part of the county. It’s opening follows the success of similar services in and , and I’m extremely pleased to see the service being extended to the Arfon area.

“Siop Gwynedd offers a wide range of services, from dealing with requests for Blue Badges and bus passes, to information about how to request planning permission and answering Council Tax queries – all of which are available under one roof.

“Providing the public with relevant and current advice and information is essential and Siop Gwynedd is an important resource in supporting this work. “All you need to do is call by Siop Gwynedd and speak face to face with one of our friendly members of staff who will be on hand to help you.”

As well as being a one-stop-shop for all Council services, Gwynedd is working in partnership with North Wales Police and other agencies to offer a wide range of services.

North Wales Police surgeries are held on Mondays between 10am - 12pm and Fridays 1 - 3pm.

Other Siop Gwynedd surgeries include: • Licensing - Tuesday and Thursday 9.30am - 12.30pm • Trading standards - Every Friday 10am - 1pm • Appointments with the registration service - Monday to Thursday mornings.

The Identity and Passport Service also use the new facility to conduct interviews through video link with customers who have made an appointment with them to apply for a UK Passport for the first time, rather than travelling to their office at Liverpool.

Police and Crime Commissioner for North Wales, Mr Winston Roddick said:

“I would like to congratulate Gwynedd Council on launching Siop Gwynedd. This new facility, located right in the centre of Caernarfon, will make public services far more accessible for local people, and will provide information and advice under the one roof.

“I am delighted that North Wales Police are involved in this venture. It is an excellent example of partnership working and a model for further joined-up service delivery.”

Gwynedd Council Chairman, Councillor Selwyn Griffiths added:

“I am delighted to see the new Siop Gwynedd Caernarfon being officially opened, and congratulate all who have been involved in the project which provides a new and important service for the people of Arfon and the surrounding area for the future.”