REFURBISHING Newent Town Council offices would cost £168,000 according to a recent report.

The council declared its offices at the Cemetery Lodge, on Watery Lane, unfit for purpose due to a health risk posed by damp and mould in the building, earlier this year.

Martin Davidson of Gloucestershire Market Towns Forum conducted a report on behalf of the town council and recommends selling the Cemetery Lodge and using the funds for a new building possibly on the library car park.

The town council agreed to discuss the proposals with the County and District Councils and the Environment Agency to make sure that the proposals are viable.

The council will also ask Newent residents whether they would prefer a new building or a refurbished Cemetery Lodge.

For the full story, read The Forester.