PLANS are being made to re-open Sedgemoor District Council (SDC) offices in Bridgwater - after a refurbishment of the reception area is complete.

A small number of essential staff members are currently in the Bridgwater House offices, but SDC say they are working on “recovery plans” ready to hold face to face meetings again.

However, the reception area is currently being refurbished and is expected to re-open in July.

A man who owns a flat in Highbridge and has had multiple dealings with the Homes in Sedgemoor department based at Bridgwater House, said re-opening the offices should be a priority.

“Because of Covid, a lot of the staff are working from home,” he said.

“If you have to get anything done you go through to a switchboard and they say they will try and get hold of the right person and will get back within 48 hours – but they never get back to you.

“There’s people who need help and if they can’t phone them they’ve nowhere to go.

“For anybody who has any housing issues, how are they going to have face to face meetings when the offices aren’t opening yet?”

However, at the moment, the Government guidance is that people who can work from home should do so until at least June 21.

SDC have said they are successfully meeting their customers needs by telephone, video calls and email.

“The council is working on recovery plans which includes reopening Bridgwater House for members of the public and bringing staff back into the office if required,” said a spokesperson for SDC.

“The council’s reception is currently being refurbished and we expect it to be reopened in July.

“When we do open our offices, we will do so in a way which will ensure the safety and wellbeing of staff and our customers. Meanwhile, the offices are only open to a very small number of essential staff.”