This has been deemed a big success within the council. Has anyone actually used First Point? Is it just a trendy word for the people who tell you which queue to join? Or is it really a revolution?

The success of First Point, the Council’s one-stop-shop at Howden House could be repeated at key locations around the city if members grant approval at their Cabinet meeting next Wednesday, 24 September.

Improving access to public services lies at the heart of the Council’s priorities and the rollout of the popular ‘First Point’ service marks the next phase in the future delivery of Council services.

Initially there are two ‘Neighbourhood Centres’ planned, one at Hillsborough and one at Manor Top. Subject to detailed negotiations and programming with external partners, the first Centre is expected to open in Hillsborough in the summer of 2004.

Liverpool put them in a couple of years ago and they have been a roaring success.

So people say... but what does it do? Are we meant to be impressed that the council provide a help desk where you can get help? Or does it do something more than that?

If it's really taken them all these years to work out how important customer service is - then I wouldn't recommend they sing it from the roof-tops... :P