STAN's Your Man as Mobile Service Gets in Gear

STAN, which stands for "Services To A Neighbourhood," is a travelling customer services van offering advice and information on a wide range of council services, including council tax, energy efficiency, benefits, mortgage rescue schemes and homelessness.

STAN will be out and about in Ribble Valley over the winter and on selected dates will be staffed by a police community support officer.

STAN, a joint venture between Ribble Valley, Pendle and Rossendale Borough Councils, and Help Direct, was launched late last year.

It aims to help residents find out what help is available from public services, voluntary and community organisations in Ribble Valley.

Ribble Valley Borough Council's culture and leisure services manager, Colin Winterbottom, said: "The staff on STAN are knowledgeable about public services and can put residents in touch with community and voluntary groups that can offer help and support.

"It is a popular resource and STAN staff look forward to meeting residents over the coming months."

STAN is fully equipped with a copier, printer and scanner, and can access computer systems via satellite technology. There are private interview rooms, a hearing loop and access for wheelchairs.

A police community support officer will be on STAN on selected dates throughout November and December.

STAN dates: November 7 - Spar Car Park, Clitheroe; 8 - Civic Hall Car Park and Park House Sheltered Housing, Longridge; 9 - Showley Court Sheltered Housing, Clayton-le-Dale; 19 - Sainsburys Car Park, Longridge; 20 - United Reformed Church, Clitheroe; 28 - Spar Car Park and St Anne's Court, Clitheroe; 29 - Civic Hall Car Park, Longridge; 30 - Gisburn Village Hall; December 10 - Spar Car Park and Vale House Sheltered Housing, Whalley; 11 - Booths Car Park and Pendle Court Sheltered Housing, Clitheroe; 19 - Brookfield Sheltered Housing, Mellor; 20 - Civic Hall Car Park, Longridge and Hurst Green Village Hall Car Park.

Further information is available from How will I know where to find STAN? or by calling Help Direct on 0303 333 1111.