IT IS not surprising that staff at South Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse district councils are looking forward to moving.

Since the devastating blaze at their shared headquarters in Crowmarsh Gifford in January, they have been working hard to ensure that council services have not been adversely affected.

But they should find it a lot easier to do their jobs at 135 Milton Park, even though this is only meant to be a temporary office, which may not be as roomy as their previous home.

Now the elections are out of the way, staff have the opportunity to concentrate on the move and do not need to worry about hot-desking, working in corridors, or working from home.

When staff from both councils are working together again, there should be greater efficiency.

But Abingdon will be sorry to lose the staff who have been situated temporarily at Abbey House.

As the councils look forward, South Oxfordshire District Council leader John Cotton knows there is still an important decision to be made about the future of the burnt-out building in Crowmarsh Gifford.