RECENTLY I had the unfortunate experience of phoning Bolton Town Hall and being greeted by an automated voice informing me that there was a queue for attention of at least 10 minutes and perhaps I would like to call back later.
I hung on in anticipation and 18 minutes later I was connected to the new Call Centre, and, not being sure as to whom I should speak to, I gave my reason for calling. The answer was "I do not know, but I will try a number and see if they know. Please hold". More music and platitudes ensued.
Thirty-two minutes from phoning the Town Hall, I reached the correct official's desk, who was out for the day, but was given a direct dial telephone number to contact him the following day. Contact was duly made and I was informed that the new telephone system was driving the Town Hall staff to distraction and would I make a complaint to a councillor. I contacted two who stated that the system was a shambles.
The Labour-controlled council has spent many thousands of pounds on a new system, which is proving to be a retrograde step. This system is called "Access Bolton", but should be called "No Admittance Bolton".
John Batley
Manchester Road
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