By NICOLE CARTRETTE
Staff Writer

A new license plate agency office in Whiteville will not open as early as originally planned.

First set to open on Jan. 3 at 28 Hill Plaza in Whiteville, the office will now open on Jan. 8, according to a press release from the N.C. Department of Transportation, Division of Motor Vehicles.

“From what we understand, some construction delays resulted in equipment delays,” Margaret Howell, spokesperson for the state agency said.

Service will continue to be offered through the Whiteville driver’s license (Division of Motor Vehicles) office on Chadbourn Highway through Jan. 4.

The announcement comes months after the state agency abruptly closed the office located off Love Mill Road at the end of the business day on Sept. 18.

The state ended a 1998 contract with Linda Richardson Russ over “insufficient notary capabilities.”

The new office is under contract with Michelle Thompson and will offer vehicle registration and titling services previously offered at the other location and now offered at the Whiteville drivers license office on a temporary basis.

The new office will be open 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, and can be contacted by telephone at 642-3810.