Otley's town centre council offices are the latest to be earmarked for a major £300,000 facelift.

Leeds City Council's offices in Boroughgate are to be refurbished as part of the Council's plan to turn nine of its local branches into 'one-stop shops' where people will be able to deal with all their Council-related queries in one go.

Planning officers are now waiting for permission from English Heritage to refurbish the Grade II-listed building and expect to put the work out to tender in May.

New enquiry counters, payment counters, private interview rooms and facilities for disabled people are to be installed.

And while the work is being carried out, housing services and tourist information departments will move to the former magistrates Court in Court-house Road. Social services are to remain at the Boroughgate site.

A Council spokesman added: "Due to the nature of the building and its listed status, it would be very difficult to maintain services while allowing contractors to carry out the work, and would undoubtedly create very uncomfortable conditions for both staff and visitors to the offices."

Otley Town Councillor John Eveleigh welcomed the refurbishments.

Proposals to transform the former magistrates court into an arts centre would be looked at following the revamp, he said.

Pudsey Town Hall is also set to be revamped in the programme at the cost of £600,000 while offices at Micklefield Lane, Yeadon, are to be given a 'campus-style' feel. Work is expected to be completed by December.

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