A COUNCIL running Somerset facing Cashageddon - where have we heard that before?

Over a decade ago Somerset County Council was having to consider cutting costs and generating more income to rein in its debts.

Fast forward to 2024 et plus ça change.

Let's look back at what the County Gazette reported back in January 2012.

We posed a couple of questions - rowdy late-night parties in Taunton’s County Hall? Young people sleeping past midday in the corridors of power?

Readers were urged: "Don’t laugh – Somerset County Council could sell or lease part of its HQ for student digs."

Somerset College wanted to relocate its halls of residence to central Taunton – and councillors believed a seven-storey office block at County Hall could suit its needs.

The Gazette had already revealed in June 2010 the council was considering selling County Hall to cut its debts.

Cllr David Huxtable, cabinet member for resources, said the authority was investigating all potential opportunities to lease or sell parts of the three-block County Hall, which housed 2,500 staff at the time.

Cllr Huxtable said: “We’re looking at all of our properties to identify where we can make savings or generate income for our council taxpayers.

“The council will be a smaller organisation by 2013 and we need to make more efficient use of our office space so we can continue to deliver good value for money for local residents.

“We’re currently in talks with Somerset College as they’re looking to provide student accommodation near to its main campus on Wellington Road.”

College principal Rachel Davies said: “We’re already a major provider of university courses in Somerset, and as a result of higher education changes we expect student numbers to grow.

“Having university students studying and living in central Taunton would be a major boost for the town and the county.

“The County Hall accommodation is one of a number of options open to the college.”

Discussions were at an early stage and a decision was expected later in 2012.