COMMUNITY leaders are fighting to save a Jobcentre which has been earmarked for closure.

Blackburn with Darwen Council and Darwen Town Council bosses have written to the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) asking for the proposed closure of the Darwen site to be reversed.

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Some councillors have also responded individually to a consultation run on the department’s website.

They have been backed by the Darwen MP Jake Berry who said he was ‘unhappy’ with the plan.

The DWP announced last month a plan to merge the centre with the Blackburn site to ‘reduce costs’.

The consultation document on the Government’s website says the journey time between the towns is 23 minutes.

Cllr Dave Smith, who represents Darwen on the town and borough council, said in his letter to the DWP he disagreed with the estimate and was concerned.

He said: “The Jobcentre currently provides a convenient, accessible service for the people of Darwen.

“Travel time to Blackburn is greater than that stated in the document at peak times especially from the southern part of Darwen.

“Users from Whitehall, Marsh House, Hoddlesden and the rural areas will be particularly inconvenienced.”

There are 510 people claiming job seekers allowance in the town.

Cllr Smith also said he was concerned the building could become a target for vandalism if left empty.

Bosses said only 60 per cent of the floor space was being used at Darwen and a total of 14 staff would be relocated to Blackburn if the move goes ahead.

Cllr Jim Smith, who represents Blackburn on the borough council, said: “It is the sheer expense I am worried about for people in Darwen.”

“If you are unemployed you’re going to be at that job centre everyday. I am completely bemused by this.”

A spokesman for DWP said: “We have carefully considered where the workload and services of the jobcentres proposed for closure could be relocated.

“In proposing closure of Darwen and relocating service delivery to Blackburn, we also propose basing a work coach in a community location such as a library.”

“Merging the sites reduces costs and maximises the use of the Blackburn Jobcentre.”