DARWEN Town Council deputy chairman Peter Hollings has sought reassurance from the town’s MP Jake Berry that the local Jobcentre is safe.

Coun Hollings has written to the MP after consultation began over the closure of Clitheroe Jobcentre, meaning some residents there could face an 11-mile journey to Blackburn. In his letter, Coun Hollings said: “This comes on the back of the recent closure by your Government of Bacup South Jobcentre servicing people from within your constituency which you failed to prevent.

“Persons seeking work are required to attend the Jobcentre at increasingly frequent rates.

“This closure will affect not only those who are unemployed and receiving Jobseekers Allowance.

“People who receive employment and support allowance, for instance, are also required to attend for interview at the Jobcentre. These include some very vulnerable adults.

“I am writing to you to seek assurances that the many people who rely on the Jobcentre services in Darwen will not be affected by any further closures in the region.

“Your response and reassurance would be greatly appreciated.”