A CITIZENS’ advice bureau has opened at its new premises in Burnham.

The Maldon district Citizens’ Advice Bureau have moved their Burnham office to Station House in the town.

The CAB in Burnham is one of three in the district providing free confidential and independent advice to help residents on a range of topics, including; debt, benefits and housing.

The service is crucial to those in need who need advice to deal with problems which can otherwise overwhelm them.

The other two offices are based at Southminster Library and the Maldon District Council offices in Burnham.

The bureau announced their intention to move premises in Burnham earlier this year, due to a lack of space at their previous base in the Burnham Town Council offices on Chapel Road.

Initially, the town council were set to charge the charity rent for using Station House when discussing the move in July.

They had previously provided a grant of £1,000 to the bureau each year.

However, in September, councillors voted to overturn this decision, expressing they were uncomfortable charging the charity to use the house.

The bureau will be using Station House every Thursday from 10am to 1pm, with two advisors on hand to give free advice on all subjects.

People do not need to make an appointment and can simply turn up.

The Southminster drop in service runs every Tuesday from 9.30am to midday.

The main office in Maldon is open Monday to Friday from 10am to 4pm for face to face and telephone advice.

Last year, the bureau received a grant of nearly £300,000 for the next five years.

The grant came from the Reaching Communities Fund of the Big Lottery, with the figure of £296,295 being paid up until 2021 to fund advice on debt, homelessness prevention and welfare benefits to Maldon District residents.

Lucy Bettley, manager for the district, said: “It’s been a long process but it was definitely the right move for us and for those coming for advice.

“We now have two big rooms where people can have more private conversations, with less interruptions.”

Visit www.citizensadvice.org.uk/local/maldon-district.