Good news for Chatham residents.

Concerns were raised on Thursday when the impending closure of the ServcieOntario office was announced.

The office provides access to provincial services, including license and OHIP card renewals, among other things.

The impending closure meant Chatham residents would have to either access government services online or by visiting offices in Blenheim, Tilbury, Dresden, and Wallaceburg.

However, Chatham-Kent-Leamington MPP Rick Nicholls now says the private operator has now agreed to change the closing date from this coming Monday to September 30th, giving the government more time to find a replacement.

He posted the following update on his Facebook page early Friday evening.

“I was able to work with the existing service provider Doug Dotzert, several members from the Ministry and the owner of the mini mall where Service Ontario is located and together we were able to move the closing date to September 30th.  That gives the government additional time to find a suitable replacement.  Thank you Doug for the 12 years you served our community and provided employment.  Thank you also to the Ministry staff who diligently worked along side of me.”