THE JobCentre in Melksham faces the axe because there is not enough money to keep it running. People who use the office to sign on and hunt for work will have to travel to Trowbridge or Devizes for help.

The closure is part of a national move away from face-to-face contact in Job Centres to dealing with more inquiries by telephone and e-mail.

Town councillor Sarah Cardy said going to the library to use the internet would be difficult for people who have problems with basic skills, while travelling to other towns could be a significant drain for people on low incomes.

She said: "These services are vital for people who haven't got the skills and haven't got the money to travel.

"Six pounds a week to get to Trowbridge is a lot of money if you have limited amounts. Signing on will now cost people money."

Councillors are angry the decision to close the centre has been made without consultation with users or other interested parties in the town.

Cllr Nick Westbrook said: "It will be perceived that Melksham is being closed down for the upgrade at Trowbridge.

"I think the issue needs a much wider debate what are the views of the users of the service?"

JobCentre Plus' district manager Nigel Mansfield said: "It would be raising false expectations and hopes if we were to engage in a dialogue with the people of Melksham when we know the funding isn't there.

"There is limited funding and we cannot afford upgrades at all the existing 12 offices."

There are just 81 people in Melksham on the jobseekers' register, and 26 have been signed on for less than six months. Mr Mansfield said: "I have had to make some hard choices and Melksham represents three per cent of my business."

One other branch in Wiltshire, at Amesbury, will also be closed and the remaining branches will be upgraded.

In Trowbridge and Chippenham, the JobCentre and benefits office will be combined into one upgraded facility.

News of the closure has sparked unease amongst job searchers.

John Glover said: "I have been a user of the JobCentre systems over the last few months and the IT system leaves a lot to be desired.

"When I was in the offices and asked for local jobs the ones that come up have been in Manchester and Cornwall. Going away from here and putting reliance on IT will not help.

"Let's hope that the upgrade is better and it won't fall over, but the history shows it is not reliable."