A Shoalhaven councillor has accused staff of turning the General Manager's and Mayor's area of the city administrative centre at Nowra into a fortress, imposing a lock down which denies  access to ratepayers.

Until now the public have been able to walk into the office and request a meeting with the Mayor or GM, but in future will have to seek permission from reception before being escorted into the executive suite.

Former Mayor Cr Greg Watson says the lock down gives the impression the Mayor and GM have gone into hiding, and he will be moving to have the decision over turned.

He says the move is obnoxious, because many people already find it difficult to be able to see senior council staff to try and resolve problems.