TORRIDGE District Council (TDC) and Holsworthy Town Council are set to work alongside one another to ensure services are maintained after it was announced that the town council’s offices were to close.

TDC has set up an ambitious ‘Transforming Torridge’ programme, to meet the twin challenge of identifying ways to reduce costs while still improving its customer services.

As part of this it has closed some offices in Torridge already, with Holsworthy’s area offices being put under review.

The council’s area offices in Holsworthy, which were previously only open one day a week, have closed and will be relocated to the Manor Office reception area, which was previously occupied by TDC — the town council office closure will only be temporary as the council hopes the new shared council service space will be re-opened in the week beginning October 31.

Jane Whittaker, leader of Torridge District Council, said: “Historically, the two councils have operated from separate buildings just yards apart but from October the town council will move in to the Manor offices previously occupied by TDC and provide some services on behalf of the district council.

“To facilitate the necessary changes the Manor Offices are being refurbished and will be temporarily closed, but once re-opened it is expected that the use of the ground floor of the Manor Office will provide the town council with a fit for purpose facility that delivers some local services to local residents on behalf of both councils.”

After a 40% reduction to Torridge’s funding the district council has been making some efficiency saving cutbacks, which have included the closure and relocation of the existing council offices in Holsworthy to create a more efficient service.

The new, shared council services will also ensure that the public will still be able to visit an office in Holsworthy if they have no other means of contacting the council.

Cllr Whittaker said: “Instead of just closing the existing facility (which is open one day a week) Torridge are working in partnership with Holsworthy Town Council to provide a way to enable local residents who aren’t able to use the other available means to contact the council, to still visit an office in Holsworthy.”

The mayor of Holsworthy, Jon Hutchings, spoke on his feelings towards the move to Manor Offices, he said: “The moving to the Manor Offices reception area is a great opportunity for the town council.

“The new offices will be much more accessible to the public and will improve working conditions for our staff as well.”

While the offices in Holsworthy are closed during the transition period customers will still be able to contact the council through its website www.holsworthytowncouncil.gov.uk via email to [email protected] or call 01409 253312.

To speak to someone in person the public is also able to visit the offices in Bideford.