Work is to begin next month on the refurbishment of Renfrewshire Council's customer service centre.

The building, which is located in Paisley, will see £400,000 invested in improving facilities for residents in the area.

Work on the Cotton Street HQ will commence on Monday 7 April and when completed, the centre will feature new private rooms for the registration of births, deaths and marriages. There are also expected to be an increase in visitors to the facility following the introduction of the UK Government's Universal Credit benefit.

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The programme of works is expected to last for 12 weeks. Normal operating hours are unaffected, as is visitor parking.

Councillor Mike Holmes, Depute Leader of Renfrewshire Council, said: "We've been clear from day one that we'll do everything we can to mitigate the impact the UK Government's damaging welfare reforms are having on the people of Renfrewshire.

"Our most vulnerable residents are unfortunately the ones being hit hardest and they need expert advice and support delivered in person. This financial year, we've received 5,000 applications for discretionary housing payments and have awarded 5,000 crisis grants.

"And when Universal Credit is rolled out nationally to replace six key benefits, even more local people facing difficult circumstances will need support.

"Renfrewshire residents deserve to have the best possible environment to speak to someone when they're at their most vulnerable - whether that's when they're facing financial hardship and need support or they are registering the death of a loved one."

(JP/IT)