STAFF and customers of West Devon Homes in Okehampton will shortly be enjoying much improved facilities, with a move to new, refurbished office accommodation.

The housing association is moving from its current small office in Okehampton's East Street to a property at The Glen.

Neil Williams, director of resources for West Devon Homes, said: 'We have refurbished one of our old warden's homes near The Glen which wasn't being used.

'We decided to move there rather than rent a town centre property. The new offices are great — the disabled facilities are much better and there is parking.

'The old office wasn't that large and we only had a small interview room which wasn't very sound-proof.

'The new office has a properly insulated interview room and there is CCTV on the premises.

'It's a purpose-built refurbishment and it should be significantly better for customers and staff.'

Mr Williams said since homelessness services were now provided by the council, West Devon Homes did not need to provide a town centre office.

'It used to be more relevant for people to be able to walk in off the street. Now we encourage people to use our repair hotline and people can pay their rent free of charge at the post office or over the phone,' he said.

'There's no question of us not having a presence in Okehampton and the new offices will be open for the same hours, on Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings.

'Hopefully our new offices will be better for everyone and should tick all the boxes,' said Mr Williams.

West Devon Homes should be moving into its new premises around the middle of December.