A COUNCIL could leave its prime town centre base because of soaring maintenance and running costs.

Moving out of Dorchester town centre and building a new HQ somewhere else in the town is one of the options being suggested for West Dorset District Council.

Members of the council's executive committee will consider a report on Tuesday for the future use of the listed Stratton House, which has been the council's home since 1974.

Three options for the High West Street building, which is partly listed Grade I, Grade II* and Grade II and houses the Old Crown Court, where the Tolpuddle Martyrs were tried, have been put forward: * Remaining at Stratton House and spending up to £9.5 million over the next 25 years on its maintenance.

* Remaining at Stratton House and redeveloping the 20th century wing of the building, plus refurbishing the listed building at an estimated cost of up to £14.5 million.

* Relocation to a new site in Dorchester at a cost of up to £6.5 million following the disposal of Stratton House for a mixed use development.

A report to be considered by the committee by council chief executive David Clarke and director of planning and environment David Evans said that Stratton House is becoming increasingly hard and expensive to maintain.

They said that property consultants Bruton Knowles were brought in to review the use of Stratton House.

They looked at the suitability of the building and the accommodation provided, whether there was enough space for workers and how sustainable the building was in both economic and environmental terms.

The report says: 'The consultants conclude that to maintain our presence in Stratton House in the long term without substantial capital investment is not sustainable.

'The building complex has a poor environment, poor access and circulation, inflexible accommodation, high heating and power costs and high maintenance costs.

'Customer reception and management facilities are very poor and uninviting. Upgrading of essential services is becoming urgent and will be very disruptive.' The report goes on to say that even if the council opts to redevelop the more modern facilities, which themselves date from the 1920s, many of the deficiencies will remain.

It says: 'Taken together the financial, operational and environmental arguments point very strongly to the merits of relocation to a modern, purpose-built accommodation within the town.' Executive committee members are being recommended that options for alternative office accommodation in Dorchester be pursued and that options should show a significant saving on running costs and ensure the future of the Old Crown Court as a heritage facility.

They are also being asked to agree that only essential maintenance should be undertaken.