CRIMINAL Records Bureau staff in Darwen have been told they face being made redundant within a month.

The CRB base, run by Capita at India Mill employs 30 people who are all facing the axe.

Capita said a rise in electronic applications had led them to review of their operations.

She said: “With the decline in postal applications our staffing requirements have reduced.

"We are consulting fully with our recognised union, PCS and of course with all affected employees.

"We are committed to communicating with all parties on an on-going basis.

"It would be inappropriate to comment publicly, in advance of the conclusion of those discussions”.

The bureau's main Liverpool office will also see ten voluntary redundancies.

The CRB centre at India Mill opened in 2002 as a result of the major delays on checking the background of school staff that came to light after the Holly Wells and Jessica Chapman case.