Council sells chunk of HQ to reduce budget deficit

A council has sold part of its HQ to a developer for flats in a bit to balance its books.

Somerset Council said County Hall's C block in Taunton is no longer required and the proceeds from the sale will go towards reducing its £66m budget deficit.

The building has been bought by a company called Prime plc which plans to provide accommodation for staff working at Musgrove Park Hospital.

A spokesperson said the firm was excited to redevelop the building "giving it a second life as an asset to the local community".