Selby's new Civic Centre is up and running following the move from Selby District Council's former Portholme Road home to the new Doncaster Road site.

On Monday 1 August, members of staff moved lock, stock and barrel to the Selby Community Project building on Doncaster Road, which also includes the New Selby War Memorial Hospital.

The Council's customer contact centre at Market Cross, Selby, remains the main customer contact centre for members of the public.  However, anyone wishing to attend council meetings which are open to the public will need to go the new civic centre building from now on as these meetings will take place in the new Council chamber.

Leader of Selby District Council, Councillor Mark Crane said, "All frontline services during this move have been unaffected however we would like to thank residents for being patient with us during this transition period.

"The Council's move to the site will mean we have to spend less on building maintenance - which is a better deal for taxpayers.  And the brand new hospital will help to secure health services for years to come in the district.

"At a time when the Government is working hard to reduce the national deficit, our innovative partnership demonstrates what can be achieved - by being innovative you really can deliver more for less."

It has taken just 15 months to complete the construction work.  The development of a new hospital has been made possible by the District Council's involvement, which has helped to secure the relevant backing at a time when many public sector building programmes have been put on hold.

The New Selby War Memorial Hospital building now offers a range of local health services, including 24 in-patient beds for intermediate care and rehabilitation, a minor injuries unit, enhanced outpatient services, improved diagnostics services such as digital imaging and ultrasound and children's outpatient services.

Facilities at the new Civic Centre include a new Council Chamber as well as modern office facilities and meeting rooms.