Four Citizens Advice centres around the Black Country are set to close in favour of a single 'super centre' in Dudley.

Current bases in Dudley, Stourbridge, Brierley Hill and Halesowen will shut their doors in April and be replaced by one 'super service' in Dudley House, Stone Street.

However, Councillor Ken Finch has been critical of the plans, suggesting one site in Dudley could be detrimental to those who have trouble getting around. Speaking to the Express and Star, he said:

“This is going to be a disaster. So many people go to Citizen’s Advice and use it as a vital service. When we as councillors cannot help, we always send people there.

“Most the people who need places like this are either low paid or elderly. The elderly citizens are a forgotten army who need the help the most from places like this on issues such as accommodation.

“Even ex-service people when they are in need of support after being demobbed go to Citizens Advice because they are able to offer them the best support.”

Laura Thomas, CEO of Citizens Advice Dudley Borough, said the new service would mean turning fewer people away. She added:

“To deal with as many cases as possible we have made the decision to close our four current building-based services and create a super service in the heart of Dudley. It will ensure we are able to offer assistance to all of those who need it.”

Citizens Advice gives free advice to assist people with money, legal, consumer and other problems. Current offices are expected to close on April 6th with the new centre opening on April 9th.