WEST Dorset residents can see plans for the new District Council offices during public drop-in sessions.

WEST Dorset residents can see plans for the new District Council offices during public drop-in sessions.

The move to smaller, cheaper offices in Charles Street is hoped to save taxpayers around �145,000 a year - over �3 off the Band D council tax bill of �124.80.

Council Leader Robert Gould will be hosting four informal sessions in the council chamber at Stratton House, when members of the public can put questions to senior officers.

Visitors can view the latest plans for the new offices, which will be around half the size of the current campus.

There will be guided tours around the current buildings, which were never designed for use as offices, so people can see how they are inefficient and run up costly maintenance and cleaning bills.

Residents can either pre-book a place at these slots and submit their questions in advance, or just turn up on the day.

The dates and times are: Thursday, April 8, from 9.30am to 12pm; Monday April 12, from 2pm to 4.30pm; Saturday, April 17, from 10am to 12pm, and Monday April 19, from 5.30pm to 7.30pm.

Cllr Gould said: "We have always said we are committed to an ongoing dialogue and holding public events.

"We think opening our doors to people in this way is an excellent way to listen to what residents think, and answer any questions they may have about the scheme.

"Senior officers will be present to explain why it will be cheaper to move than stay in Stratton House.

"Hopefully by then the planning application for the whole Charles Street scheme - including a new supermarket, shops, car park, hotel, affordable homes and public toilets - will have been submitted.

"We can talk people through those details if they are interested.