THE borough council’s office will reopen to the public as of Monday – but residents are being urged to visit in person only if absolutely necessary.

Test Valley Borough Council had closed its public reception points back in March when the government announced the start of lockdown.

But now residents who are unable to use the authority’s services online or over the telephone will once again be able to visit the authority’s Beech Hurst office, in Andover, and the Former Magistrates Court, in Romsey, in person.

The offices will be open to the public between 9am and 4.30pm as of Monday, June 15.

However, due to social distancing restrictions, the council is continuing to encourage residents to use its online and telephone services wherever possible.

Leader of the authority, councillor Phil North said: “I am incredibly proud that the council has continued to provide services throughout the coronavirus crisis.

“Our teams, from our housing staff to waste collection crews, have done an amazing job over the past few months ensuring that our residents continue to receive the same level of service they would normally expect.

“I am also grateful to the public for making greater use of our website and telephone support during this time and would encourage them to continue this in the short term.

“But I'm conscious that there will be some members of our community who are unable to access our services online or over the telephone, and so from Monday, they will be able to visit our offices in person.

“Due to social distancing, we will be heavily restricted in terms of the number of people we will be able to see, so please do only come to see us in person if absolutely necessary.”