EDEN Council is proposing to create a 'single site' headquarters in a former supermarket building in the centre of Penrith.

The council has launched a public consultation on its proposal to make an offer on the vacant former Co-op building on Burrowgate.

It would allow the council to relocate all of its services and staff there and bring them under one roof. It would then be known as the Civic Centre.

The  consultation will help councillors and senior managers decide whether to buy the building. It runs until June 22.

Eden  Council owns and operates out of two buildings in Penrith - the town hall and Mansion House, which are some distance apart.

The council says this is "inefficient" and causes confusion for visitors.

Mansion House would be sold  and alternative uses sought for the town hall under the  proposal.

Council leader Kevin Beaty said: "The council had been working on a plan to create a single site at the town hall but this option proved too costly.

"The vacant Co-operative premises presents an alternative opportunity to achieve a different ‘single site’ project. It is also one in which other organisations could be accommodated in the same building, as it offers additional space beyond the council’s needs."

Mr Beaty says the move would also stop a landmark building in Penrith falling into disrepair and would bring more people in the centre of the town.