THE JOBCENTRE Plus office in Christchurch is to be made redundant in the spring and its work transferred to the new benefits complex in the centre of Bournemouth.

Despite widespread local protest, petitions and even a deputation to parliament, Employment Minister Caroline Flint announced yesterday the Wick Lane office will close as part of a nationwide shake up of the unemployment and benefits services.

Staff, job seekers and benefits claimants from the condemned Christchurch JobCentre Plus will be transferred to the new Department of Work and Pensions showpiece centre in Cotlands Road.

While Christchurch is the only full time JobCentre Plus to be closed in Dorset, part-time offices at Shaftesbury, Wareham and Wimborne are also being axed and their services switched to Yeovil, Poole and Blandford.

The changes are due to take effect from the end of March and DWP officials are talking to councils and other agencies to provide a network of local jobpoint' venues to house phonelines and outreach benefits advice services.

Announcing her decision, the minister said: "The changes I am announcing today are the latest stage in our modernisation programme that will lead to more efficient and effective services for our customers - releasing resources to our Jobcentres - while providing best value for taxpayers.

"The service we provide our customers is at the forefront of all our decisions and we have been working closely with partners to ensure everyone can benefit from the expertise and support available at Jobcentre Plus.

"Where offices are closing we are working with local authorities and other organisations to ensure those services remain in the community, for example in libraries or community centres."

Claire McGuckin, Jobcentre Plus Customer Service Director, said: These changes, although unsettling for those affected, will result in a more effective service.

"Currently we are in negotiation with partners to finalise our plans for an alternative service in the localities concerned. During this time staff will continue to support customers looking for work and to ensure they are kept up to date with developments."

Talks will also be held with trade unions but no redundancies are expected among personnel at the Christchurch JobCentre where several staff have already been moved to Bournemouth.