KEY services will be relocated over the next few months as Caerphilly County Borough Council prepares to close its council offices in Pontllanfraith.

Earlier this year the authority took a decision to vacate Pontllanfraith House to help contribute towards the savings targets that are required over the next few years.

The services currently based in Pontllanfraith House will be relocated to a number of sites including Penallta House, Dyffryn House, Tir-y-Berth Depot, Woodfieldside, the Market Place in Blackwood and Tredomen Business Park.

Cllr Keith Reynolds, leader of the council, said: “The decision to close Pontllanfraith House was a difficult one, but we need to make significant cuts due to the huge financial pressures facing us at the moment. Unfortunately significant investment would be needed to keep the site open.

“We are working hard to minimise inconvenience and disruption to residents as we relocate our services. We are also retaining staff and services in the area by relocating the Area Housing Office to the nearby Market Place in Blackwood.”

Over the next few months a series of phased moves will take place. Further details about the exact timings of each move will be announced beforehand.

The Public Protection team – responsible for Trading Standards, environmental health, licensing, catering etc – will be moving to Penallta House in Ystrad Mynach. Highways, engineering and planning will be moving to Dyffryn House in Ystrad Mynach; community and leisure to Tir-y-Berth Depot; the housing area team to Market Place in Blackwood; and the housing care and repair team to Woodfieldside Business Park.

Pontllanfraith House is due to be fully vacated by January next year and the council is currently considering options for future use of the site.