OPENING times at the district council's offices and telephone contact centre are changing from next week as part of a cost cutting exercise agreed in the budget.

From Monday July 4 the council's offices and telephone contact centre will be open to the public between 9am and 4.45pm Monday to Thursday and between 9am and 4.30pm on a Friday.

These times have been decided following an in depth study by the council into what hours customers come into the offices and phone.

Cllr Brian Robinson, Deputy Leader and portfolio holder for Efficient Council and Planning Policy said: "This change is all about altering the way the council works to fit in with when our customers access our services. It will also save the council £80,000 a year while having minimal impact on our community.

Residents can also use the council's website http://www.fdean.gov.uk">www.fdean.gov.uk for information, to access many of services, to give feedback or to make payments 24 hours a day.