EAST Hampshire District Council’s offices at Penns Place will be shut to the public indefinitely from Monday, March 23.

The decision has been taken with the safety of customers and staff in mind as part of measures taken to combat the spread of coronavirus.

Customers who would normally come to Penns Place in person are now asked to contact the council on 01730 266551 or on www.easthants.gov.uk

The council outreach offices in Alton and Bordon have also been closed.

All formal council meetings have also been cancelled, with decision-making powers transferred to officers and the leader, councillor Richard Millard.

Cllr Millard said: “This is the right action to take at this time. We must prioritise the safety of our customers and our staff and for that reason we must shut the offices to the public and cancel our council meetings.

“Rest assured staff are still working hard to deliver the services you rely on but please bear with us during this difficult time of transition.”

While EHDC offices are closed, staff are working and can still be contacted.

The easiest and quickest method of contacting the council is via a MyEHDC account, which can be set up online at www.easthants.gov.uk

Alternatively, email the council at [email protected] or call 01730 26651.

Contact information for major services:

*Payments

If you need to make a payment this can be done in the following ways:

Telephone: 0300 3030 590

Post Box: If you have no other way to pay you may put a cheque or cash in the post box. This must be in a sealed envelope clearly stating what the payment is for and the reference number. These payments will be logged by two people when the post box is opened.

*Housing Benefits

All supporting evidence and documents can be emailed to the benefits department.

Telephone: 01730 234 175

Post Box: Benefits Department, East Hampshire District Council, Penns Place, Petersfield, GU31 4EX or use the letter box

*Council Tax & Business Rate

Telephone: 01730 234 400

To pay your council tax: 0300 3030 590

*Housing

Telephone: 01730 234 415

*Licensing

Telephone: 01730 234 389

*Planning

Telephone 01730 234 246

Post: You can place any planning application through the post box

*Building control

Telephone: 01730 234 207

Post: You can place any application through the post box