Michael Edwards

Friday was my first chance to call in at Nottingham City Council's contact centre. 

Where previously we'd had a severe set of glass booths and long queues, I walked into an large open plan office with plenty of light, open booths, some glass fronted booths for taking cash, new and jazzy carpet, an island reception, a wide range of information displays (called "Infopoint") and play equipment for tots (who might otherwise get bored). 

I spoke to staff at the island reception who'd dealt with "180 customers" on Thursday and there'd not been one moment of frustration.

Now Nottingham is not the first to do this and many readers from across the country will know similar facilities have done good things for their cities and towns too. 

But it's a step forward for Nottingham and a pleasure to see staff so on top of the work they were doing and helping so many people.