AN East Lancashire MP has expressed alarm over the planned closure of the Benefits Agency public office in Barnoldswick.
Gordon Prentice has written to the agency, stating the alternative of using the Colne office is not convenient for Barnoldswick people who had lost many facilities in recent years.
After an exchange of letters with the agency, the Pendle MP said: "The proposed closure is very disconcerting.
"I can well understand the agency's wish to save on administrative costs but what about the service to the public?"
He added: "I do not want to see this facility close. If there are good reasons, I have yet to hear them."
The Benefits Agency has told Mr Prentice it will continue to provide a five-day service for callers at the Colne office which shares the Jobcentre premises.
Mr Prentice says 27 people a day attend the Barnoldswick branch and a town of 10,000 should have its own local service.
Previous news story
Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article