A NEW integrated service is to be provided to allow a seaside resort's local authority to offer a better service to residents and visitors alike.

Under its Customer First initiative, Scarborough Borough Council is to open a modern, customer-friendly service centre next to its existing offices in St Nicholas Street.

The idea is to provide visitors with a new tourist information facility, while at the same time giving residents the chance to get face-to-face advice on council services.

Councils must be able to provide all service information electronically by the end of next year and, by the same date, must also handle inquiries at the first point of contact 80 per cent of the time.

Council leader Eileen Bosomworth said: "The Government has set a demanding target for local authorities to meet by the end of next year and we have been determined to get the best deal for our residents and visitors.

"We looked at a range of different options and suites for establishing our Customer First centre but, at the end of the day, properties adjacent to the town hall, which are already owned by the council, provide the obvious answer."

Chief executive John Trebble said the initiative would provide "real improvements" for local people and visitors.

"We have been carefully negotiating with the tenants and we have been seeking an agreed way forward with them, which will assist them during the time of change," he said.

If all goes well, Scarborough council is planning to start work on the new centre by spring next year.