WEST Devon Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) is introducing a new system to enable more clients to access the service.

West Devon CAB, which has offices in Tavistock and Okehampton, will install a new waiting room and appointment system known as Gateway Assessment.

The new system is similar to that used by hospital accident and emergency departments, where every client is given an initial assessment to diagnose the problem.

Bureau manager Barbara Osborne said: 'Our charity helps a great number of people with problems of varying complexity and urgency.

'The introduction of the Gateway system will enable our advisors to prioritise the most urgent cases and reduce waiting times for all.'

From April 1, any client who wishes to access the CAB will either receive a ten- minute interview on the telephone or in person, followed by three possible options. The client will receive the information they need from the CAB information website, or an appropriate leaflet. If the problem is more complex an appointment will be made to see a CAB advisor or the client will be directed to a specialist agency.

Mandy Kenyon, development officer at the bureau, said: 'This is a huge change for our advisors.

'For years we have trained our volunteers to carry out an in-depth interview at first contact but now a quick diagnosis followed by more appropriate action is the way forward.

'We know from other bureaux in the country that our clients will receive a better service and be helped more quickly.'

West Devon CAB is open on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays in Tavistock between 10am and 2pm, at Kingdon House in Pym Street.

In Okehampton, the office is located at the Ockment Centre and is open on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 10am to 2pm.

To contact the bureau during these hours please call the Tavistock office on 01822 612359 or the Okehampton office on 01837 52574.