WEST Devon Borough Council proposes to modernise its operations at its Kilworthy Park offices in Tavistock. A modernisation project went before councillors at their meeting in Okehampton on Tuesday. To deliver a more modern local government service to meet the increasing needs of the public, the programme of works includes: l A new customer service centre where the council will be able better to serve the public. l New public meeting rooms. l Modernising office facilities to reduce operating costs and exploit modern technology. A feasibility study on the project indicates that the cost of the programme will be £3-million, but taking into account the sale of other premises and the reduced operating costs the overall effect will be ?cost-neutral?, says the council. West Devon will be closing its Okehampton offices in Oaklands Drive in a move which is expected to generate around £600,000 in savings. Before the offices close, a new council customer service centre will be opening up in the town centre which will be designed to offer access to other public services. Income towards the project is being further generated with plans to build extra offices on the Tavistock site ? with an expected minimum office area of around 2,500 square feet ? which will be available for commercial let. Modern ways of working, with the help of new technology, are also expected to save money towards the project. If approved by the council, the next step will be to apply for planning permission. If approved, building work could begin this winter and be completed within 12 months. Cllr Dick Eberlie, chairman of the council?s strategies and resources committee, said: ?This is a commercial project driven by the need to deliver a more efficient and cost effective use of our offices and at the same time greatly improve services to our public.? The matter was being discussed as the Times went to press this week.
