CASH-strapped West Somerset Council could net £250,000 over the next ten years in a deal to rent out office space to Somerset County Council staff.

As previously reported in the Free Press, around 35 social services staff could make use of 18 desks at the district council's purpose-built offices in Killick Way, Williton.

On Wednesday, district council cabinet members agreed to a rental charge of £25,000 a year for ten years, although the deal has yet to be officially signed and sealed.

They were told the link-up would cut the county council's costs and generate much-needed cash for the district authority.

The district council has found itself with room to spare as staff numbers have dwindled following numerous rounds of voluntary redundancies and a freeze on recruitment.

The county council is trying to reduce its offices from 33 to just five by 2014.

Cabinet members were told the county council staff would be working on flexible rotas, "hot desking" and working from home in order to free-up pressure on the available desk space.

They were also told no arrangements had been made for car parking for the additional staff - instead they would be encouraged to car share.

Finance chief Graham Carne said: "There is spare capacity within the building and the space can be better utilised in this joint arrangement.

"Somerset County Council has agreed to contribute £25,000 to this year's financial budget on the basis of reserving the area while discussions come to a satisfactory conclusion."

Councillors were told staff would relocate to Killick Way in May if the deal went ahead.