SUGGESTIONS that Tavistock?s Jobcentre Plus may close as part of a restructuring programme have sparked pleas to reconsider by Tavistock Town Council. If the offices were to close, people needing Jobcentre appointments would have to travel to Launceston or Plymouth. Members at their full meeting in the town last Tuesday agreed it was an essential service in a rural area like West Devon. Cllr Mandy Govier said it would be ?a retrograde step? to close the offices in Elbow Lane, which not only provided a service to the unemployed, but also to disabled and vulnerable members of society. Cllr Robin Pike said Launceston was ?out on a limb? and it was important for a market town like Tavistock to keep the Jobcentre open, even if it was only as a part-time, outreach service. Cllr Ted Sherrell said the population of Tavistock was expanding hugely and demand for the service was only likely to increase. Cllr Harry Smith said the consequences for anyone missing an initial appointment at the Jobcentre could be serious and if the service in Tavistock was to cease, it would only make it even more difficult for people to attend appointments. The council agreed the town clerk should write to the regional manager for Jobcentre Plus, urging him to reconsider closure proposals regarding the Tavistock office. Members agreed that if the office did close in future, the council chamber should be offered as an alternative location for an outreach office ? they would also liaise with West Devon Borough Council, which is currently consulting with Jobcentre Plus officials.
