A NEW integrated call centre for Lewisham Council was officially launched last Wednesday.

CallPoint (COR), gives residents access to services including refuse collection, abandoned vehicles, housing repairs, benefits and council tax.

It was launched by deputy for resources Madeline Long.

The centre is one of the most high-tech in the country and will allow callers to undertake several tasks without being transferred.

Its 100 staff handle about 125,000 calls per month with more than 90 per cent answered within 15 seconds.

CallPoint has been divided into the following categories;

l Environmental 020 8314 7171;

l Housing repairs 020 8314 8314;

l Council tax 020 8690 9666;

l Benefits 020 8690 8444;

l Switchboard 020 8314 6000.