DUDLEY Council Plus has closed its doors to customers for the coronavirus lockdown but people can still get information and advice on council services over the phone.

The Dudley Council Plus building in Castle Street, Dudley, closed at the end of Friday (January 7) until further notice after bosses said footfall had dramatically reduced since the latest lockdown was announced.

Customer service advisors, however, are still taking calls over the phone and residents can contact them on 0300 555 2345.

People requiring general information or wishing to pay bills at the kiosks are being asked to do it online.

For emergencies and the distribution of keys, residents are also being asked to contact Dudley Council Plus over the phone, and a customer service advisor will help accordingly.

Councillor Simon Phipps, Dudley Council's cabinet member for commercial and customer services, said: "Clearly this is a very difficult time when people rely on council services more than ever before.

"We have asked that our staff continue to provide that essential help and advice but have taken the decision to close the building as part of the national drive to limit the spread of coronavirus.

"The fact footfall has been very low since the announcement of the lockdown has convinced us also that this is the right thing to do at the moment.

"Thankfully there are many other ways people can get in touch such as over the phone, via email, or by setting up a Dudley Council account online. Bills can also be paid online or over the phone.

"We apologise for any inconvenience in closing the building but by doing more online we can continue to run a customer service that people need."

People can contact Dudley Council Plus by phone on 0300 555 2345, email at dudleycouncilplus@dudley.gov.uk, by visiting the website at dudley.gov.uk or on Twitter - @DudleyPlus.