BIGGLESWADE Town Council finally opened the doors to its new offices in what is an historic building. Mayor Wendy Smith cut the ribbon last week to officially open the refurbished offices in what was the court building in Saffron Street. The council had u

BIGGLESWADE Town Council finally opened the doors to its new offices in what is an historic building.

Mayor Wendy Smith cut the ribbon last week to officially open the refurbished offices in what was the court building in Saffron Street.

The council had used offices in Chestnut Avenue for more than 25 years.

The council chamber was used for the first time on Tuesday when the new mayor was elected. It is also the first time the council has had a proper chamber where it can conduct its business.

The cost of the refurbishment has yet to be finalised but a portion of it will be shared by Mid Beds District Council as it has offices at the front of the building.

Other guests at the opening ceremony included the Lord Lieutenant of Bedfordshire Samuel Whitbread, the High Sheriff of Bedfordshire Richard Banks, the chairman of Mid Beds District Council Tony Duggan, leader of the district council Tricia Turner, former mayor Vic Brunt and local MP Alistair Burt.

"It has been all hands to the pumps for the staff as we only started moving the previous Friday and we were open for business on Tuesday morning," said Biggleswade Town Council clerk Doreen King.