THREE community housing offices in Worcester are closing today, leaving tenants to use the telephone and drop-in services instead.

People living in Dines Green, Ronkswood and Tolladine will lose their neighbourhood housing offices, run by Worcester Community Housing.

The move follows the decision by the association to focus on telephone services instead.

Jean Dalziel, housing director for WCH, said they had given customers a lot of opportunity to talk about the changes, and all had been notified in writing last December.

She said there was a freephone helpline which had been in operation since mid-December and nine people attended the drop in sessions held.

"We have had a very positive reaction to the changes, which will provide an overall much better service to our customers.

"Estate managers have been busy setting up their weekly surgeries and encouraging our customers to join them on estate walkabouts," she said.

The move also comes after the city council's decision to no longer allow council tax payments at the offices.

Councillor Paul Denham, who is also on the board of WCH, said he saw the argument from both sides but urged residents with problems to either attend the weekly drop-in sessions or contact their local councillor.

However Dines Green resident Louise Griffiths said she felt the call centres meant a loss of the personal service.

"It is a lot easier to fob someone off on the phone than in person," she added.

For more information, contact WCH on 0800 389 8413 or 01905 670100.