A DUMBARTON based citizens advice office has celebrated its 50th anniversary last week as West Dunbartonshire’s MP hailed it “an invaluable service”.

The West Dunbartonshire Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) offers free, confidential and independent advice from its offices in Alexandria’s Bank Street to local people on any problem, and has been serving the area since 1971.

To commemorate its 50th anniversary, a special video has been launched on Thursday, September 16.

Manager, Joe McCormack, said: “It’s a great milestone, and I’m just so proud of all the staff and volunteers – past and present – who have done such a great job over all this time.”

“The main cases we see are financial: debt, benefits, or people just unable to pay their bills.

“But we also see a lot of legal situations, like discrimination or disputes with landlords or employers. Then there are consumer issues like scams, or compensation claims.”

“We can help in every one of these situations, and more. So, the party hats have been put away. The next 50 years start now.”

Gareth King, one of the CAB’s longest serving staff members and previously a volunteer since 2006 said: “This place has changed so much since I started. In those days it was all paper-based. Nowadays people can access our advice in person or by email, webchat or phone.

“But there are two things that haven’t changed. The first is the need for our service. We help about 40 people every day, and many of them are in really dire situations.

“The second thing that hasn’t changed is the spirit of the team here. There is a great sense of dedication in the team. We really want to help people, whatever their problem is.

Mr Docherty-Hughes said: “CAB has provided an invaluable service to our communities for half a century. I’m sure I speak for all my constituents in wishing West Dunbartonshire Citizens Advice Bureau every success for many years to come.”

If you need help, call 0800 484 0136 during office hours (Mon-Thu 8.30am-4.30pm, Fri 8.30am-3pm), or through the contact section of the organisation’s website – wdcab.co.uk/contact-us.