independent Cornish news and comment

Kerrier: HELSTON JOBCENTRE RETENTION WELCOMED

Helston’s MP, Andrew George, has offered a guarded welcome to the announcement that Government Ministers have withdrawn their proposal to close Helston Jobcentre – though it will open on only a part-time basis.


Mr George had made representations to the Minister of State for Employment and Welfare Reform, Caroline Flint, to, in particular, emphasise that such a closure would leave people on the Lizard doubly isolated; particularly after recent job losses at Goonhilly and elsewhere.

Mr George’s constituents will, however, be affected by the Jobcentre closures in Hayle, St Ives and Camborne.

Mr George also thanked those who supported the campaign to urge the Government to rethink their proposal to shut Jobcentres.

Mr George said, “At some stage Ministers need to deliver the ‘joined-up Government’ they often promise us. The public sector already has a number of buildings which need to be maintained for public service – post offices, local council offices, library, Sure Start buildings, surgeries, hospitals, schools, etc, as well as the tax and benefit office in Penzance. The justification for the maintenance of separate properties for many of these functions is often used as an excuse to close the service down, when joint use of buildings could keep these services going.

“In rural areas like our own, without a large urban focus, a more joined-up approach could help protect our services.”