CHESHIRE East Council bosses hope to have all employees working on the authority's patch by the end of the year following the sale of County Hall at Chester.

The former Cheshire County Council headquarters is jointly owned by Cheshire East with Cheshire West and Chester Council, and plans are underway to relocate Cheshire East staff to the area within the current financial year.

Negotiations are continuing over the sale of County Hall to Chester University - a move which will save taxpayers' money by releasing Cheshire East Council from its responsibilities towards the upkeep of the building.

It will also mean all council staff, other than those employed in shared services, will be working on their 'home turf' in Cheshire East from office locations including Sandbach and Crewe.

Sale negotiations are progressing well - but should they not proceed, a payment could be made by Cheshire West and Chester to Cheshire East which would cover the value of Cheshire East's share.

Cheshire East chief executive Erika Wenzel said: "A proposed sale of County Hall to Chester University is good news for Cheshire East.

"It would fit in nicely with the Cheshire East accommodation strategy, which includes the move of staff currently located at County Hall to offices based in the Cheshire East area within the current financial year.

"As a former Cheshire County Council asset, County Hall is jointly owned by Cheshire East and Cheshire West and Chester Council.

"Whilst it remains jointly owned, Cheshire East has to contribute towards the running costs.

"Sale would present savings to the taxpayer by releasing the Council from this commitment.

"Negotiations continue with Cheshire West and Chester and Chester University and good progress is being made."