MILFORD Haven and Neyland county council customer service centres are to close at the end of June.

It follows a decision by the council’s cabinet on March 11.

Employees will be given the opportunity to be re-deployed, and it is hoped that no staff will be made redundant.

Centres at Haverfordwest and Pembroke Dock will remain open for the foreseeable future.

Cllr Bob Kilmister, cabinet member for finance, said the move was part of a bid to encourage residents to use the many alternative ways to access services or make payments, which are already in place.

“Over time, many of our traditional customer service transactions such as paying housing rent or council tax have fallen, as customers opt to go online or set up a direct debit,” he said.

“This has proved more convenient for many people. Nearly 60 per cent of people pay their council tax by direct debit now, for example.”

He said there were four easy ways to pay council bills; setting up a direct debit, paying online, calling the telephone payment line, or speaking to someone in the contact centre.

“However, we are aware that for some people, the closure of their local centre may cause concern,” he added.

“We urge them to contact us on 01437 764551 so we can let them know all about the different ways they can access services or make payments.”

Orange and food waste bags will be available from local libraries until later this year, when the revamped household waste and recycling collection service is launched with its new collection containers.

For blue badge renewals or applications, customers can carry out the whole process online at gov.uk/apply-blue-badge or visit the customer service centres at Pembroke Dock and Haverfordwest.

The opening hours of Neyland Library, which is currently a shared facility with Neyland Customer Service Centre, will be unaffected for the time being.

New community supported library facilities are being developed for the town, as part of the Neyland Community Hub project.