DVLA closure risks Shrewsbury jobs

More than 1,200 jobs were at risk this afternoon under Government plans to close all regional DVLA offices including one in Shropshire. Eighteen DVLA jobs could be lost in Shrewsbury.

Shrewsbury's Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency centre, on Battlefield Enterprise Park, is the county's only office.

The Government wants to close 39 regional offices by the end of 2013 and centralise the work done at the centres at the DVLA's headquarters in Swansea.

The driving test centre in Shrewsbury, which is run by the Driving Standards Agency, will not be affected by the plans.

DVLA regional centres carry out a range of administrative functions such as arranging trade plates for garages, vehicle inspections and personalised registration mark transfers.

Business leaders in Shropshire today claimed the potential closure could have a damaging effect on businesses in Shropshire.

Richard Sheehan, managing director of Shropshire Chamber of Commerce, said: "Not only the busines-ses who need to licence and change taxation on vehicles frequently but more importantly the motor trade itself."

Shropshire Councillor Jon Tandy said: "Quite frankly we should be fighting as much as we can to make sure staff are supported and anything that can be done to save their jobs is done.

The Government claims the plans could deliver savings of about £28m a year.

Consultation with affected staff began today.

By Catherine Ferris