FEARS that Okehampton may lose its Jobcentre have prompted John Burnett MP not only to fight to keep the present facility — but also to get it upgraded.

The MP for West Devon and Torridge has written to Minister of State for Work and Pensions Nick Brown expressing concern that the town 'appears to be sidelined'.

A new Service Delivery Plan for Devon aims to create offices providing a full range of Jobcentre Plus services in 17 towns — the nearest to Okehampton being Tavistock, Newton Abbot, Bideford, and Exeter.

However, in Okehampton, options for alternative ways of delivering services — such as from partners' premises or mobile services — are being investigated.

'Rather than lose something we want to get what the other areas are getting,' said Mr Burnett.

'This has got to be fought. We cannot let it happen. The Government cannot just wash its hands of a strategic town in the centre of Devon which is growing but which has very poor public transport links with other areas.'

In his letter, Mr Burnett reminded Mr Brown, who visited Okehampton when he was Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Foods, that it is in the heart of a huge rural area.

'The Jobcentre office in Okehampton acts, as it should, as a very successful recruitment and advice centre,' said Mr Burnett.

'It is essential to the people using it for advice and getting jobs. It enables them to build their lives and make a constructive contribution to the community.'

Mr Burnett said that while ten years ago the unemployment rate in and around Okehampton was more than 10% it was now below 2%.

'The Jobcentre has been incredibly successful. We do not want to revert to what happened years ago when there was neglect and an unproductive approach to employment.'

He said that while he appreciated there are 'macro-economic factors' that have resulted in greater economic activity and more employment this, however, 'does not mean that we do not need the local service'.

Mr Burnett said conversely Okehampton needed a Jobcentre 'more and more' in the interests of not just employees but also of employers.

'This is a low wage area and many of my constituents do not have cars. There is great convenience in having an office in Okehampton.'

Mr Burnett has urged the Minister to 'rethink' the plan to close the facility in Okehampton.

'It would seem pointless to put in jeopardy all that has been achieved,' he said.

Rob Farleigh, spokesman for Jobcentre Plus, said because of the nature of the property difficulties had been envisaged in converting and upgrading the Okehampton Jobcentre to Jobcentre Plus requirements.

He said: 'We do not want to walk away from Okehampton. We recognise the difficulties of not having a presence there and the problems with public transport.'

Mr Farleigh said the aim was to set up 'partner premises' which could deliver essential services. He envisaged the Jobcentre continuing to operate as it is for six to 12 months — although that could change if 'partner premises' were found in the meantime.

'We are in consultation mode so that we can get feedback from people that have something to say to us. If, as part of this, we get premises coming up that are suitable we would take the opportunity to look at it,' he said.

He said that part of the Jobcentre Plus benefits would be to bring alternative ways of delivering the service with an increasing amount of customer contact being dealt with by telephone and through internet opportunities.

'I fully understand there will be concerns, but the benefits that Jobcentre Plus will be offering cannot all be accommodated within our present premises in Okehampton,' he added.