WORK on a new-style office for Durham City Council has started.

The Liberal Democrat-controlled authority is building a £2m one-stop shop at Lobley Hill Road, Meadowfield.

When the building is finished in March, people will be able to access a wide range of services and advice, including benefits and council tax from the office.

The 18,000sq ft centre will also house a police station, victim support suite - only the second of its kind in County Durham - social services and health facilities.

Council leader Sue Pitts performed the turf cutting with Terry Bramall, chairman of the Durham Villages Regeneration Company.

Councillor Pitts said: "Today we are recognising a very significant investment in our desire to provide ever improving public services.

"Our residents have told us that they want better solutions to their problems, easier access to our services, and an ability to also access other service providers at the same time."

The council says the centre will be built without any additional funding from taxpayers because it will be paid for by the transfer of 5.7 acres of council land to the construction company, Keepmoat.

Keepmoat's housing arm, Haslam Homes, will build 100 affordable homes on sites in Meadowfield, Sherburn, Shadforth and Brandon.

Coun Pitts said: "I know this has been a very complicated project to mould. It will see major investment without any additional funding requirement from our taxpayers.''

Mr Bramall said: "The project has Keepmoat's unequivocal commitment to see the centre delivered within budget and on time."