Citizens Advice Cornwall is planning an expansion of its service in the Launceston area.

The new advice sessions, including appointments for Pension Wise, will take place at The Orchard Centre in Market Street and replaces sessions previously held in the town library.

The decision to expand the service in Launceston follows the announcement of the closure of the Kensey food factory in the town, with the likely loss of 650 jobs.

Citizens Advice Cornwall chief executive, Gill Pipkin, said: “This new service will allow us to double the number of advice sessions we can hold in Launceston and adds to our new ‘Help to Claim’ service for people claiming Universal Credit which is now running at Launceston Job Centre.

“We provide free, independent and impartial advice to everyone on a confidential basis about their problems such as debt, benefits payments, employment, housing, consumer issues and discrimination.”

Pension Wise is a Government programme offering free and impartial guidance to everyone aged 50 or over about their defined contribution pension options and is delivered by Citizens Advice.

Gill added: “We are delighted to be able to offer Pension Wise appointments in Launceston for the first time, which will save local people having to travel further for their free appointments.”

Appointments for advice sessions can be made by texting the word ADVICE to 78866 or by calling 03444 111444 from 10am to 4pm on Mondays to Fridays. Calls will be charged at the normal rate by your phone provider. For Pension Wise appointments call 0800 138 3944.

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