A TOWN Hall described as a “rabbit warren” is being transformed into a customer-friendly one-stop shop for residents.

When the work is complete in October Ulverston Town Hall will offer people direct access to services run by councils and other agencies under one roof.

Residents will be able to visit the town hall to access a wide range of services without having to find out first which organisation actually provides them behind the scenes.

Simon McVey, assistant director of customer focus at South Lakeland District Council (SLDC), named South Lakes Housing, Cumbria County Council and Anchor Housing, as well as SLDC and Ulverston Town Council, as the first occupants of the new-look building.

Mr McVey added that the police have a “strong interest” in a presence at the facility at some point in the future, saying that officials liked the fact that there would be meeting rooms they could use.

“It’s a done deal” said Mr McVey. “I’m sure a number of you wondered whether it was going to happen. We’re very proud of this project.”

Builders have been getting rid of old cashier counters and meeting rooms and replacing them with a new reception area, customer counters, information display boards and private meeting rooms.

One of the other changes to the building includes housing the Registrar’s office on the ground floor of the building from the first floor. This will give the public easier access to the office.

“This town hall is a rabbit warren, the last alterations were done quite badly and getting in and out of reception was a nightmare,” said Coun Janette Jenkinson.“I’m looking forward to the meeting rooms because that’s one thing we’ve lacked in the past.”

In a survey last year, 95 per cent of Ulverston residents supported the idea of a one-stop-shop in the town.