KIDDERMINSTER'S Job Centre is set to relocate to the town's library next year.

The Job Centre will move to the library, in Market Street, from the spring of next year following ministerial approval to go ahead with the plans.

Worcestershire County Council began re-location discussions with the Department of Work and Pensions in 2015/16 having identified opportunities to share space in two of their libraries and to meet savings targets by generating rental income.

The proposals were share with residents in September 2016 and were put forward for planning approval shortly afterwards.

Councillor Lucy Hodgson, cabinet member for communities, said: "Getting the go ahead for these proposals is very good news for us and local communities.

"Sharing library space with DWP reduces our costs and assures the future of local libraries, with minimal impact on frontline services.

"We already have successful co-location with the Job Centre in Malvern Library and Bromsgrove Parkside, where customers have benefitted from upgraded library facilities and improved services for jobseekers.

"It is anticipated that the work needed for the co-locations at Kidderminster and Redditch, which will include an upgrade of both libraries, will be complete by spring 2018."

Councillor Karen May, cabinet member for transformation and commissioning, added: "The agreements to share Kidderminster and Redditch libraries with DWP will add to our increasing number of successful collaboration projects across Worcestershire where local public sector and national Government agencies have co-located within county council buildings.

"This has enabled the council to bring substantial saving benefits in reducing running costs and maximising the use of our buildings."