NORMAL service has resumed at the West Somerset Advice Bureau after long awaited improvements to its Minehead base.

A major revamp of the Market House Lane building is almost complete and the bureau has reinstated its usual opening times.

Manager Georgie Reynolds said staff and volunteers had managed to run the free confidential advice service even through the building work, which has included the replacement of windows and improving the building's insulation.

"In the two weeks that we were a building site we still managed to assist 126 clients," she said.

"We were able to do this with thanks to West Somerset Council and its offices in Minehead.

"Volunteers have been outstanding and coped superbly with the chaos.

"But thanks, most of all, to the residents of West Somerset who have been very patient."

Latest figures released by the bureau reveal that from April to the end of October this year, 250 clients a week on average have been seen.

Normal opening times of Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays from 10am to 3pm, and 10am to 1pm on Wednesdays have now resumed.

Outreach services are available from 10am until noon at Watchet doctors' surgery on Thursdays, Williton doctors' surgery on Wednesdays and the Exmoor Medical Centre in Dulverton on Tuesdays.

And despite the recent disruption, the bureau is launching some new 'pop-up' advice locations and working with other organisations.

These include 'Keep Warm and Well' events today (Friday) at Dulverton Town Hall and on Tuesday (November 12) at St Michael the Archangel church in Alcombe - both from 10.30am to noon.

In addition, an advisor will be on the CLOWNS children's charity bus to answer questions from families about benefits, debts, housing or consumer issues on November 20 at Dunster, 10am to noon, and Cuckoo Meadow in Minehead, 1pm to 3pm.

The advisor will also be on board on November 28 at Timberscombe, 10am to noon, and Wheddon Cross, 1pm to 3pm, as well as on December 6 at Roadwater, 10am to noon.

Anyone not able to get to any of the events can call the bureau on 01643 704624 to arrange another location or home visit.