THE annual meeting took place at Andover Guildhall of the Citizens Advice Test Valley in November.

Mayor Carl Borg-Neal and Mayoress Maria Neal, Andrew Ferrier from Test Valley Borough Council and some of the local councillors were welcomed.

Peter Middleton from Andover Street Pastors came along as their guest speaker and provided a fascinating insight into the important work carried out in the local community by their organisation.

Citizens Advice Test Valley continues to offer free and independent information, advice and assistance to residents of Test Valley. Benefit issues have risen to 32 per cent of their advice areas with ‘Universal Credit’ in particular creating difficulties. They were able to achieve gains of £350,000 for clients with benefit issues and helped to get £125,000 written off for debt clients.

They are very grateful for the continued hard work and dedication of their volunteers, staff and trustees and also to the borough council for their financial support.

If anyone would like a copy of their annual review, then please would they contact them directly on 01264 363545.

Normal opening hours in Andover are: Monday — Thursday, 9:30am – noon, Gateway Assessment drop-in session; 12:30pm — 3:30pm, Booked appointments.

Outreach sessions are: Monday — King Arthurs Way, 9:30am — 11:30am; Tuesday — Whitchurch Town Hall, 9:30am — 12:30pm.

Adviceline telephone number: 03444 111 306.

Website: www.testvalleycab.org.uk

Information can also be obtained from: www.citizensadvice.org.uk