Witney CAB moves to ex-Gazette building (From Witney Gazette)

Witney CAB moves to ex-Gazette building

8:56am Sunday 25th March 2007 in Witney By Tim Hughes

WITNEY MP David Cameron spoke of the vital role played by Citizens Advice Bureaux during a visit to his Witney constituency.

The MP praised the work of volunteers after opening the new offices of West Oxfordshire Citizens Advice Bureau at the town's Old Print House - the former home of the Witney Gazette.

"I'm a big fan of Citizens Advice Bureaux, both locally and nationally," he told a crowd of volunteers, councillors, and other invited guests, outside the converted Cotswold-stone building, in Marlborough Lane.

He paid tribute to the work of the centre manager, Barbara Shaw, saying: "Barbara and her team do a fantastic job in West Oxfordshire, and we should all thank them for what they do. This service helps people who have been left behind in society. Even in wealthy, prosperous areas, like West Oxfordshire, people do get left behind, and Barbara and her team are here to help."

Mr Cameron was patron of the fundraising effort to finance the move to the new building from its overcrowded former premises in High Street.

And he praised the work of the centre's volunteers, adding: "You get lots of 'bang' for your 'buck'. It's a real organisation for us to celebrate. It has been a huge honour to be part of your fundraising programme."

Mr Cameron looked relaxed as he joked with guests. "I'm pleased to note it's a little bit quieter here than the House of Commons.

"I'm more used to booing and jeering, but if you feel like doing so, go ahead!"

The bureau provides a free and confidential service to its users, and covers everything from obtaining benefits and escaping debt to homelessness, consumer complaints, tax affairs, and health issues.

It is supported in its day-to-day operation by West Oxfordshire District Council, which also provided the lease of the building.

It also depends on donations and fundraising activities.

Joining the celebration was the national chairman of Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) Hilary Watkins, who used to be based in Witney.

She said: "In West Oxfordshire you are very lucky to have one of the best bureaux we have."

The CAB's trustee chairman, Gerald Owen, appealed for more helpers to come forward. He said: "There are two things we always need: the first is more volunteers, and the second is more money."

As well as the Witney base, West Oxfordshire CAB also operates out of Chipping Norton, RAF Brize Norton, and runs a rural advice project, which visits the homes of those unable to reach its offices.