New Shefford council offices open

SHEFFORD Town Council has officially opened its new offices.

The council is now operating from Shefford House after the ceremony on Saturday (December 10).

Robin Younger, the former Bedfordshire County Council member for Shefford and the last chairman of the council cut the ribbon outside the High Street building.

He was welcomed by Shefford mayor Councillor Paul Mackin, town clerk Geoff Barham and other councillors as the town ushered in a new era.

The offices were then available for visitors to enter and enjoy tours of as the afternoon went on.

Mr Mackin said: “It was an enjoyable day.

“We wanted someone who is well known in local politics to open Shefford House and it was great for Robin Younger to be our special guest.

“We had around 100 people along during the afternoon and they seemed very pleased with how Shefford House looks.”

Mr Mackin believes the new offices will be more accessible than the council’s previous headquarters in North Bridge Street.

He added: “The former offices were a little out of the way and some people just didn’t know where they were.

“They were also relatively limited in terms of space, especially for meetings and special events.”

“Shefford House is in a prominent position in the heart of the town.”

To help pay for the building the council has taken out a loan from the Public Works Loan Board.

Renovation work which has taken place since the previous occupants left has included the knocking down of a wall to create one large meeting room.

Painting and decorating work has also taken place throughout the ground floor and on the outside of the building.

The clerk’s office and toilets have been redecorated, and three further offices will be made available to rent in the future.

The council can use rental revenue from the office lets to help pay back the loan.