Ballynahinch and Newcastle Social Security offices to remain open

Ballynahinch and Newcastle Social Security offices to remain open

BALLYNAHINCH and Newcastle Social Security offices, which have been threatened with closure for some time, are to remain open.

South Down MP, Chris Hazzard, has today revealed the Department for Communities has decided to keep the offices open and said the decision is a good one for staff and the public.

“For some time now we have been calling on the Department to invest in local services rather than close them, so today’s announcement is great news for staff and service users alike,” said Mr Hazzard.

“The fact that both of these offices will now remain open and facilities improved ahead of next year’s rollout of Universal Credit provides long overdue clarity.

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“I want to thank the Department for taking on board our concerns with this process to date, and I congratulate all those who stood united in their opposition to such closures in months gone by,” he added.