Sharing services at Lairg

A new partnership is being introduced in Lairg on Monday (17 October) when the public will be able to source advice and information on police and Council matters from under the one roof.

The Highland Council is moving its Service Point from New Buildings, Main Street into the Northern Constabulary office on the same street.

It will be open Monday – Friday between 9.30 am – 1 pm.

To allow the Council to transfer its operation, the Service Point will be closed on Friday 14 October.

From Monday, the Service Point will also provide a front counter service for Northern Constabulary. A similar partnership is operating at Muir of Ord, Golspie, Broadford and Bettyhil,  where Council staff provide a reception and information service for Northern Constabulary.

An additional joint venture is planned for Gairloch where the Service Point will move to the local police station.

Councillor Carolyn Wilson, Chairman of the Resources Committee, said: “The sharing of services will provide an improved facility for the local community while still delivering the essential services of Northern Constabulary and The Highland Council.”

Recently, the Council was awarded the Customer Service Excellence standard in recognition the service it provides via face to face contact with the public at its network of 35 Service Points, via telephone its Service Centre in Alness and via the Registration Service.

The Customer Service Excellence standard has replaced the Charter Mark standard, which the council has held since 1999. The new standard is more exacting than the Charter Mark standard and ensures an improved service for all customers contacting the network