Despite its challenges over the years, the Athlone
District Advice Office always managed to deliver a much-needed service to the community.
In its 28 years of existence, the advice office was forced to move on a few occasions – either because of financial challenges, or safety concerns.
The need in the community for this kind of service is so great, therefore the work cannot stop, said the advice office’s Brian Alcock.
On Monday October 7, the office moved to the Calvinist Protestant church hall in Kewtown, and it has already attended to many clients since then.
In February, the staff and other stakeholders made a decision to close its office in Gatesville, after it had been burgled and vandalised (“Advice office burgled”, Athlone News, February 6).
Since then, the Athlone and Rylands libraries have offered the advice office some space to do its work.
Mr Alcock said Ward 46 councillor, Aslam Cassiem, also assisted them.
“We wish to express our sincere thanks and gratitude to councillor Cassiem who allowed us to use his office during the past 18 months and for his support and interest in the work we do
in the community,” Mr Alcock said.
The services offered by the advice office include advice on housing-related matters, such as eviction orders and lease agreements, as well as labour-related matters, wills, divorce matters, and drug-related issues.
Clients are also referred to other service providers.
Mr Alcock said because of the increased criminal activities in the Gatesville area and the recent “scary incidents” they were forced to relocate the office.
“This action has been taken in the interest and safety of both our office personnel and our clients and also the damage and loss after the recent break in. We wish to thank Reverend Stephen Snyman from the Calvinist Protestant Church who made two offices available in the church hall.”
The new address of the Athlone District Advice Office is 21 Springbok Street, Kewtown. Its contact numbers are 076 823 6192 and 083 747 5901.