ACCESS to the whole range of Wyre Forest District Council's services is to be made available through a one-stop shop in Kidderminster.

Part of the town hall is to be converted to house the centre, which will enable district residents to talk to council staff about a variety of services, from benefits to planning applications, as well as buying parking season tickets.

At present, the services are provided at different sites. As well as dealing face-to-face with inquiries about the district council, the centre will also offer advice on Worcestershire County Council services.

It is hoped that the one-stop shop will, eventually, expand its range of services by adding representatives of other partner organisations.

Similar satellite centres are planned for Stourport Civic Centre and Bewdley Tourist Information Centre.

The district council will need the approval of Deputy Prime Minister, John Prescott, to carry out the conversion work, which is expected to take a year, as the town hall is a Grade II listed building.

Councillor Stephen Clee, leader of the district council, said: "This is a huge project that will transform the way we deliver council services.

"It is great news that the contact centre is going to be in the town hall as it will mean a positive and vibrant use of a Grade II listed building.

"Our customers will see a difference too.

"They'll have access to a wide range of services, with just one point of contact.

"From requests for information to service transactions and bookings, it will all be at the town hall or via a phone call or e-mail."