'Step forward' as legal advice centre moves to new home

A COMMUNITY legal advice centre in Beverley has moved to new premises.

Residents got their first look around the new home of the East Riding Community Legal Advice Network office in Lairgate yesterday, after the centre moved from its temporary base in Morley’s Yard.

Funded by the Legal Services Commission and East Riding Council, the network will receive 1.89m over three years and is run by East Yorkshire Citizens Advice Bureau and Yorkshire solicitors Switalskis.

It offers legal help and advice, from basic information to representation at court, from its three permanent sites in Beverley, Goole and Bridlington.

Advice is also provided from 10 outreach locations.

Coun Jonathan Owen, deputy leader of East Riding Council, said: “This service represents a significant step forward in the way advice is made available to residents. For the first time people can get support on a whole range of issues in the same place.

“By joining up funding from the council and the Legal Service Commission, and by delivering the service through organisations with the experience and reputation of the Citizens Advice Bureau and Switalskis, we have a service that is of great benefit to all residents of the East Riding.

“It is a great example of how public and voluntary sector organisations can work together to deliver services.”

Since the spring, more than 3,000 people have contacted the network for help on a range of issues such as debt, welfare benefits, housing, community care and employment.