The Norfolk and Suffolk Probation Trust is to close its Great Yarmouth base of operations in Rampart Road on April 1 and move it to Lowestoft.

As part of a merger of Norfolk and Suffolk probation services, the majority of operations are already based in the Lowestoft office in Whapload Road. No staff will be made redundant because of the move.

The trust says moving all activities to the new location will provide a consistent service to offenders living in the Yarmouth and the Waveney area and also provide a central point across the catchment area.

Offenders in the Yarmouth area will have the choice of whether to travel to Lowestoft or to the Norwich probation office for appointments.

Community payback sessions will still be held in the Yarmouth area. A spokesman for the Norfolk and Suffolk Probation Trust said: 'Reducing our office space makes the best use of probation funds and brings our facilities in the Great Yarmouth and Waveney area in line with the geographical spread of our offices across the county.

'No staff will be made redundant as a result of this decision.

'Although the Great Yarmouth office base will be closed, Norfolk and Suffolk Probation Trust will remain involved in community activities and continue to work with our partners in the Great Yarmouth area.'

The Yarmouth building is leased from the Ministry of Justice.