THE news that the Jobcentre in Clitheroe is to be saved from closure has been welcomed by the leader of Ribble Valley Borough Council.

The government announced on Friday that it had abandoned plans to shut the Lowergate employment and benefits hub.

The Department for Work and Pensions warned that it faced the axe in September.

It sparked a campaign involving the area's MP Nigel Evans, the borough council, trade unions and Christian groups.

Coun Hirst said: "I am absolutely delighted that the Department of Work and Pensions has accepted the many significant arguments which we and others put forward during the recent consultation process to keep open the Clitheroe Jobcentre.

"The difficulties for Ribble Valley residents in being redirected to Blackburn would have been immense and would have hit some of the most vulnerable of our residents.

"This is a success for our campaign to safeguard central services in rural areas and we would congratulate the DWP on a very sound and logical decision."