A new weekly advice surgery has opened at Whitland Town Hall. The surgery is being run by ASC (Advice and Support Carmarthenshire). It is the first joint initiative of its kind for Carmarthenshire, where the people of Whitland and the surrounding area can now access face-to-face advice upon a number of issues in their own town. ASC comprises a group of agencies who are working in partnership to improve people's access to quality advice and support in Carmarthenshire. It is co-ordinated by Carmarthenshire County Council trading standards services and Carmarthen Citizens Advice Bureau and is held at 10 am on Wednesdays. The surgeries are attended by Carmarthen and District CAB, to advise upon people's rights and responsibilities, and give specialist advice and support relating to debt and welfare benefits; Carmarthenshire County Council Customer Services Staff, to give advice and information upon the services available from the local authority; the county council trading standards service, to give advice upon consumer/contractual enquiries, pre- shopping advice upon choosing a builder, allied trades person, or gardener, and advice upon protection from doorstep crime and scams; and Shelter Cymru. It is envisaged that other agencies, to include Dyfed Powys Police, Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service, Care and Repair, Age Concern, and Care and Repair, will also take part in this initiative. Local member Clr. Jimmy Morgan said: "I am pleased that this service has come to Whitland as it is nice for the people of the area to have the opportunity to avail themselves of the services offered by the council and the other agencies involved. "It is good that people can obtain information without having to travel far. I hope that people will make good use of the opportunity." Fellow local member Clr. Fioled Jones said: "This is a fantastic initiative and from my experience of working with each of the organisations involved, I welcome the partnership involvement very much. "It is encouraging, and will certainly raise the profile and awareness of the committed and dedicated work and advice that these professional services provide. "It will offer a valuable doorstep opportunity to the community. This is the way forward, as people, their views and concerns are so important and need to be heard. "I extend best wishes to all who will benefit in various ways from this exciting new venture and its success. This could be the gateway to addressing people's needs across the county." Executive board member for housing and public protection Clr. Hugh Evans said: "I am delighted that this new service has been brought to Whitland. It offers a valuable opportunity for people to seek advice on a range of issues."