AS demand for Poole’s busy Citizens Advice Bureau continues to increase, the office has moved home to contribute towards a hub of help.

After more than 20 years in premises close to the High Street, it has taken over most of the ground floor of Beech House, Wimborne Road, joining a number of other community services.

Beech House is also home to Poole Housing Partnership, Poole Council for Voluntary Service and from early December will also house the Coastal Credit Union.

“The number of people we are working with is increasing,” said Richard Bristow, manager of Poole CAB. “Last year we helped around 5,000 people.

“For the first six months of this year, April to September, we have already dealt with around 4,000 so we are heading for 8,000 this year.”

Top of the list continues to be a mix of debt and welfare problems, making up 60 per cent of the enquiries.

“After 23 years at our former offices in Lagland Street we have moved to enable the building of new affordable housing,” said Mr Bristow.

“The move to Beech House has given us the opportunity to look at the way we work and how we deliver services.

“We have enhanced our telephone and email service and encourage everyone to contact us this way.”

There is no drop in service at the new offices however working with other bureaus across Dorset means 10 people are answering phone calls and around 70 per cent of enquiries are dealt with at this initial stage.

Also around 10 appointments a day are available to help people individually. And being among the other services, including the Credit Union bank, would be helpful to people, he said.

Poole CAB is looking to recruit new volunteer advisors and receptionists and anyone interested in volunteering should contact the bureau directly.

Poole CAB can be contacted using the Dorset Adviceline Service on 03442 451291 or pooleca b.co.uk