UDLEY Council have announced Queensway housing office in Halesowen will close next year.

The council claim the housing office is “under-used and out-dated” and is moving the office to smaller premises in Halesowen library. The move to the fifth floor of the library building with the Citizen’s Advice Bureau will take place on Wednesday, January 9.

Councillor Khurshid Ahmed, cabinet member for housing, said: ”I believe that this is a great opportunity, providing Halesowen housing tenants with an improved service which reflects their needs. “By co-locating the housing office and the library we are bringing together a number of council services and community advice services together under one roof in a convenient high street location.”

He added: “We have carried out a review of its usage, together with consultation with customers, and have found that the office is no longer used sufficiently to justify its costs.”

“It is excellent news that the CAB will also be joining us within this building – providing a one stop shop for enquiries relating to housing. “This partnership working makes absolute sense and helps provide the public with impartial advice.”

People will still be able to access housing services in 70 alternative points in the Halesowen area, as well as reporting and requesting information online or over the phone.