WEST Somerset District Council chief executive Tim Howes has defended the controversial decision by the authority to leave Williton and move its base to Minehead.

Mr Howes is set to meet with civic leaders in Dulverton on January 28 to explain the motives behind the move but the discussion will be held behind closed doors away from the public and press.

As well as speaking at the area panels' meeting in Dulverton, the chief executive said he was also willing to meet with individual town and parish councils.

In a letter to Dulverton Town Council, Mr Howes explained a number of key reasons for the move and again stressed that the economic impact on Williton would be "limited".

Council chiefs have lined up Clanville Road car park in Minehead, neighbouring land and the nursery for their new purpose-built offices.

But, since deciding to relocate in October, the council has come under fire from parish councils in West Somerset, businesses in Williton and the village's recently-reformed chamber of trade.

All have expressed concern that the economic impact on Williton would be devastating but the district council is confident that the Fore Street offices will be redeveloped.

Mr Howes said the decision was not sudden but had been reached in November 2000 after an options appraisal was carried out before an independent consultant was hired to weigh up the best options.

Mr Howes said: "The main reasons for the office centralisation included the need for adequate modern accommodation to deliver services efficiently and effectively and the need for proper disabled access and proper meeting facilities.

"Also [there would be] improved inter-departmental working, both within the council and improved communication with agencies sharing our premises."

The council hopes to save money with fewer staff travelling between the two sites, and moving from seven buildings to one would cut back on heating and electricity bills.

Mr Howes added: "In making the decision to move to Minehead, councillors took into account that 70 of our 150 staff already work in Minehead and the limited effect on the economy of moving from Williton."

The district council wants to see the Williton land used to house the police, the registrar, parish council and the Sure Start scheme for young children and their families.

And the council is looking to locate satellite offices in Williton and Dulverton in an effort to improve services and allow more people access to the council.

"This does not mean the council will leave Williton completely since we have a new area office in the village as well as a new area office, it is hoped, in Dulverton to provide the best possible service across the district," said Mr Howes.

According to council, the factors behind the move to Minehead are:

l The economic impact on the move from Williton is limited.

l Minehead has a catchment area of 20,000 people compared to only 8,000 for Williton.

l The superior public transport links to Minehead compared to Williton - Minehead has a direct bus service from Dulverton whereas Williton does not.

l It is cheaper to develop on the "clean site" at Minehead rather than the "cluttered" site in Williton.

l The availability of the Williton site will give an opportunity to regenerate economically the centre of Williton.

Mr Howes said he was keen to hear from local councils as to how the offices should be organised and what facilities should be included.