READING Borough Council has approved a �59.6m move from the Civic Centre to Plaza West in Bridge Street.

Labour, Lib Dem, Green and Independent councillors favoured the move at tonight's meeting over a �64.3m relocation to RG2 in Queens Walk or �93m refurbishment of the asbestos-riddled Civic Centre.

They argued it was also more suited to the council's needs - providing better public access and space for all its staff and nursery for their children.

FULL STORY AND REACTION IN THURSDAY'S CHRONICLE

The council also agreed to demolish the Civic Centre at a cost of �8m, with Labour pledging to regenerate the area with developers and not allow it to become run down in the interim.

It also backed calls from Lib Dem group leader, Daisy Benson, for regular updates to come before the cabinet.

But the Conservatives abstained from the vote after attacking Labour for announcing its intentions to vote in favour of Plaza West ahead of the meeting.

The Tories called on Labour to apologise and said the ruling party had stifled debate with its actions.

FULL STORY AND REACTION IN THURSDAY'S CHRONICLE