PRESTON and Leyland's unemployed residents will be visiting a new kind of Job Centre in the future as part of a national campaign to restructure benefit services.

Following a visit to Preston last week, chief executive of Jobcentre Plus, Leigh Lewis, told staff from West Lancashire's job centres about the latest developments following the merger of The Benefits Agency and Employment Services.

The employment service aims to deliver job searches and benefits advice under one roof across its 55 outlets nationwide.

At the conference, held at the Swallow Hotel in Samlesbury, on Thursday, April 25, Mr Lewis described the new touch-type computer screens for jobseekers to input their details in the search for work nationwide.

"Over time they will be a one-stop shop, with modern decor and no screens between staff and jobhunters. Children's play areas will be fitted and the new touch screen job points will be available," said Mr Lewis. He also said that the regional managers would have a large part to play in structuring the centres as local knowledge was important.

A spokesman from Preston's Jobcentre Plus confirmed the Ringway office is still awaiting refurbishment as part of the government initiative along with the Leyland office in Towngate.