SELF-HELP touchscreen kiosks have been installed in a series of libraries to replace Halstead Citizens Advice office.

The computer booths aim to give residents who cannot travel to the Braintree or Witham offices the option to get advice at the touch of a button.

The kiosks are in Earls Colne, Halstead and Sible Hedingham libraries and are available to use whenever the libraries are open.

They will help people find answers to common issues including debt, welfare benefits, housing, employment, plus family and relationship help.

The charity recently underwent a reorganisation that meant the closure of the Halstead office at the Ramsey Academy in March, primarily due to funding pressures and cost cutting that was taking place at centres around the UK.

The charity said extra investment was being made in its telephone services and home visits for vulnerable clients in Halstead continued.

Cllr Susan Barker, cabinet member responsible for libraries, said: “This is one example of how we are working with residents and partners to make libraries hubs for their communities: places people know they can come to for advice and access to services, as well as books, job support, groups and all the other activities libraries offer.”