SHIRLEY -- As a result of changes in Comcast channel configurations, the town's government channel is now Channel 99 instead of Channel 10.

Besides the new number, however, nothing has changed, Shirley Public Access Corp. representative Rich Dill told selectmen Monday night.

Some residents were upset when they tuned into Channel 10 over the past weekend and did not find the government channel there, he said. Apparently without warning, Channel 10 had been changed to something else, with no word about where to go.

Government Channel 99 will continue to air the familiar line-up of town meetings, including selectmen on Monday night, which is usually broadcast live. The new number is included in Basic Cable service, Dill said.

But why the mixup?

Comcast duly notified the town of the channel switch via an overnight mailing that arrived at Town Offices last Friday morning. But SPACO didn't get the message right away.

Selectman Andy Deveau explained.

"I signed for the package," he said. He then placed it on someone's desk, where it presumably remained, unopened, until Monday morning.

Thus, notification of the channel switch was inadvertently delayed until after it was in effect.

In future, the board agreed that any communication from Comcast would be promptly copied to SPACO so that word can be relayed to subscribers.

And if another Friday morning mailing is at issue, it shouldn't be a problem. Town Offices, closed

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to the public on Fridays for some time, will be open again until noon. The Friday closing was instituted a couple of years ago to save energy. Selectmen didn't specify when Friday hours would begin.

Residents may call the selectmen's office for more information at 978-425-2600, ext. 5 or check www.shirley-ma.gov.