Two-year wait for rebuilt offices

Registration services have moved to a new location

It could take two years for a Leicestershire council to be back in a dedicated building after a fire at its headquarters, officials have said.

Two-thirds of Melton Borough Council's offices on Nottingham Road were damaged when they caught fire on 30 May.

The register office and council chambers building are due to be demolished in several weeks.

Council leader Malise Graham said the building had to be designed, approved and built before staff could move in.

He said: "Well it's going to be testing but if we think what's been accomplished within a week, we'll get round it.

"We've got 40 people working in Nottingham in a business recovery park... and neighbouring councils have been incredibly generous with their offers."

Alternative venues

The council's registration services have resumed and moved to a new temporary office on Leicester Road.

People can now register births, deaths and marriages at the new location.

The register, which is held at the council offices, was saved from the blaze as it is stored in a fire-proof safe.

The council is also operating some services from Melton Mowbray Building Society, and will also use other council premises.

Planning services are up and running with most applications having been retrieved and dealt with. Benefits are being processed as well.

Leicestershire County Council is helping couples to find alternative venues for weddings and is also working on getting Leicester Road approved as a site for marriage ceremonies.

An investigation to establish the cause of the fire is ongoing.