THE probation office in Evesham is to close by the end of the month - but the head of services says he hopes it is only a temporary measure.

Chief officer of the West Mercia probation area David Chantler said the decision was for technical reasons.

Currently the probation staff in Evesham have offices in the former Swan Lane First School premises rented from Worcestershire County Council which, Mr Chantler said, were really too big for their purposes.

"It has never been a problem in the past because it was a straight rental agreement from the county council," he explained. "Now, however, the National Probation Service has introduced a new system which means that premises are charged out on a square metre basis which in turn means our current premises in Evesham have just become disproportionately expensive."

He confirmed: "We have made a decision to close the Swan Lane offices but we are actively looking for other accommodation in Evesham."

Mr Chantler stressed it was purely an accounting issue and no blame could be attached to the county council.

He said: "In the meantime, we are looking at the possibility of finding space in the newly opened Evesham Community Contact Centre."

Staff at the Evesham office has been reduced over the past few years and the one remaining full-time officer, one part-time officer and administration staff will operate out of the Worcester office.