The public reception area at Roxburgh Street, Greenock is now closed, and the main public access is in Clyde Square, Greenock, where customers will be offered new services, be able to make payments and take advantage of extended opening hours.

With an office in Broomhill, there will also be new drop-in access at Gourock Library and at the DWP office in Scarlow Street, Port Glasgow.

The new ways of working come as a direct response to feedback and will allow customers to discuss a number of issues and to get help in accessing new services. They can apply for a new home, bid on properties, receive financial advice, access factoring services, discuss housing options and support services, report repairs, and report anti-social behaviour.

Albert Henderson MBE, chair of the River Clyde Homes Board, said: “This initiative is all about new services and new locations. In particular, at Clyde Square, we are offering extended opening hours (late on a Thursday) and for the first time, weekend opening on a Saturday.”

He added: “The services offered recognise the changed landscape that housing associations find themselves in today. The introduction of Welfare Reform has put a new onus on River Clyde Homes to help customers maximise their incomes and to help manage their budgets. New technology has a major role to play in this and our hubs have facilities that allow digitally excluded customers to come in and apply for a home online, to get financial advice, discuss housing options and support services as well as to report repairs and antisocial behaviour incidents.”