STAFF working at East Dorset council's headquarters are to be relocated next month as part of cost-cutting plans.

As reported in the Daily Echo, East Dorset District Council's base in Furzehill, near Wimborne, will be knocked down and replaced with housing.

Those working from the site will move to Allenview House in Hanham Road, Wimborne.

Usual service will resume from the site on Monday, November 14.

Councillors agreed to the move - part of wider plans to base the majority of district council staff at Christchurch Civic Offices - earlier this year,

The new East Dorset base will continue to provide walk-in customer support.

Supporters of the plans say the move will make services more accessible by public transport and on foot.

Councillor Ray Bryan, portfolio holder for performance, said: “The new premises will reduce accommodation costs and support the continued provision of vital services.

"We will continue to provide great service for walk-in customers.

"Customers should remember that they can now access many of our services online including benefits, council tax, and parking permits via the website.”

The Furzehill site will close to staff and customers on Friday, November 11.

New homes - including affordable housing and possibly sheltered accommodation - will be built on the 6.76 acre property.

The council offices include a 19th century house, extended in the 1970s and 80s, a pair of semi-detached homes, currently the caretaker’s house, and a property let on an assured shorthold tenancy.

To the east of the site there is ancient woodland, extending to about 2.1 acres.

Civic meetings, including full council and cabinet meetings, will continue to be held at Furzehill until May 2017.

From then on they will then take place in the Quarterjack suite at Allendale Community Centre.