THE next stages of a plan that could save more than £2-million at Torridge District Council have been approved by members.

The plan, dubbed the 'transformation programme', highlights how the council will make savings of more than £2-million over the next three years. The authority has to rationalise its services due to a reduction in Government funding to all councils.

So far the council has introduced strict vacancy management, reducing the number of full time employees from 280 to 215. Voluntary redundancies have lowered this number further to 205. Other cuts include a review of assets, external grants and a reassessment of all budgets and reserves.

The next phases of the programme feature a review of its four office buildings, including Manor Offices in Holsworthy.

The proposal is to close one of its offices in Bideford, Bridge Buildings, and move staff to its other office in the town, Riverbank House. Improvements to the council website will allow customers to pay online and reduce transaction costs.

For the full report, and a round-up of the area news and sport, see this week's edition of the Post.