Slow start for CAB

Not one single person attended the first session in August 1970.

Organisers, however, were not despondent and said the new service would be a success for the town.

Chairman, Mrs Alison Bell said: "We will probably be in operation for about a month before people realise what's going on.

"Then, as has been the case in other centres we will probably have to increase the number of sessions weekly."

Organiser Miss KG Mullen had a panel of 26 voluntary workers who, operating on a rota basis, would answer the inquiries of callers.

Mrs Bell said the Portadown office had to increase the number of sessions because of demand.

"We will probably go the same way, there are probably people travelling to Portadown not realising the service is here on their doorstep."

Advice was available on all manner of issues, from family problems to consumer advice.

"Perhaps someone feels he has been sold something which does not measure up to what was expected," explained Mrs Bell.

"In an instance such as this, we would, if necessary, refer the complaint to a solicitor."

New arrivals to Craigavon were also expected to make use of the new service for advice on problems that can confront people who are settling down in a new area.

The voluntary workers were well prepared for the responsibility they had taken on and in addition to their own individual attributes, had completed a course of lectures on various matters from simple law to social security.

And what gratified Mrs Bell was that the voluntary workers represented a 'good mixture of denominations'.

"It is a broad group," she said, "Which should soon gain the confidence of all."