ST HELENS North MP Conor McGinn has blasted the decision to close Newton-le-Willows Jobcentre as "disgraceful".

The centre is to be axed following a consultation held by the Department for Work and Pensions.

In January the Star reported that the job centre had been proposed for closure by the DWP.

Employment Minister Damian Hinds revealed the move in a letter which said it was part of the DWPs’ “continued drive to deliver public services in more innovative and cost effective ways.”

St Helens North MP Conor McGinn vowed to fight the closure "tooth and nail" and the Wargrave Big Local job club added its opposition to the plans.

A consultation was held which invited comments from people with an interest in the future of the centre.

Despite comments highlighting worries over tarvel costs and accesibility of service, the DWP concluded: "After careful consideration of the responses, it is DWP’s view that these do not provide a basis to amend or change the proposal to close Newton-le-Willows Jobcentre and relocate services to St. Helens Jobcentre.

"The recommendation of this report is to proceed with the proposal to close Newton-le-Willows Jobcentre and transfer services to St. Helens Jobcentre".

Responding to the announcement confirming the closure, Mr McGinn said: “It has taken six months of dithering from the Tory government announcing its plans to close Newton-le-Willows Jobcentre, to come to this wrong-headed decision.

"Just days ago, the government said it had not yet decided which Jobcentres would close and when these would be announced.

"That was clearly untrue. Ministers have not explained the rationale behind it. 

"The closure will means jobseekers will be forced to travel to St Helens, and there will be less support for local residents to find work. To close the Jobcentre is disgraceful and cannot be justified.

"I will continue to fight these plans and will be calling on ministers to set out just how those looking for work in Newton will now be supported.

“Ending the crucial services that a Jobcentre provides to local jobseekers shows a terrible disregard for the community and has all the hallmarks of a Government hell-bent on further unwarranted cuts to key public services.”