WEST Dorset District Council is to close its offices at Stratton House in Dorchester for the final time this afternoon.

The authority has been in the process of moving to new offices in South Walks Road for several weeks and the process will be complete by Monday.

It claims the new, smaller offices will be cheaper to run and more energy efficient as well as offering improved access for people with disabilities.

They will also offer modern customer facilities including self service points where customers can access computers and online information themselves and a spacious reception area with comfortable waiting areas and interview rooms.

West Dorset District Council leader Robert Gould said: “The new offices will save us £200,000 a year and will go on saving us money each year and every year.

“Importantly, we can also now offer a better service to the people of West Dorset as we now have a building fit to do business in.

“I am very pleased that for the first time ever, people in wheelchairs can access the whole building.”     

All phone numbers remain the same and the new postal address is West Dorset District Council, South Walks House, South Walks Road, Dorchester, DT1 1UZ.