FRESH calls have been made to reverse the decision to close Alexandria Job Centre in Bank Street.

Confirmation of the branch closure was made last month by the Department of Work and Pensions and came on the back of eight branch closures in Glasgow alone.

But since then political rivals have joined forces to condemn the move.

West Dunbartonshire SNP MP Martin Docherty-Hughes branded the decision “unacceptable,” “dangerous” and “irresponsible”.

And Scottish Labour’s MSP for Dumbarton and the Vale,Jackie Baillie, labelled the move a “reckless decision”.

Under the plans, the Alexandria Jobcentre will close and staff would transfer to Dumbarton Job Centre – nearly four miles away – by March 2018 at the latest.

However, it is understood there was no consultation with staff before the announcement was made.

And concerns from both Mr Docherty-Hughes and Ms Baillie have been raised about the prospect of jobseekers having their benefits sanctioned if people arrive late for appointment, having travelled the extra distance.

Mr Docherty-Hughes even launched a petition against the closure which can be accessed at www.martindocherty.scot.

Now a motion is to be proposed at a full meeting of West Dunbartonshire Council this Wednesday, urging the local authority to condemn the decision to close the job centre and petition the UK Government to reverse the decision.

The motion is from SNP group leader at West Dunbartonshire Council, Councillor Jonathan McColl.

In his motion he asks the local authority to “condemn the decision of the DWP to transfer services from the Alexandria Job Centre Plus (JCP) office to their site in Dumbarton”.

Councillor McColl also wants WDC to “note the increased risk of sanctions this would cause for people who could not afford the extra travel expense for mandatory in person visits to the JCP”.

Mr McColl is also urging the leader of the council, Martin Rooney, to write to Damian Green MP, Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, “expressing our concerns and seeking a reversal of this decision”.

But Damian Hinds, Minster for Employment, has defended the decision to make the closure, saying: “We are concentrating our resources on what we know best helps people into work.”

Mr McColl’s motion is due to be raised tomorrow at the meeting in Garshake Road, starting at 5pm.

Mr Docherty-Hughes has lodged written questions to the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions asking for details of the number of people who will be affected by the move and what consultation the DWP intends to have with the local community.

And he continues to have the support of political rival Ms Baillie.

Mr Docherty-Hughes MP said: “It can only help to put more pressure on the DWP. The questions I am asking in Parliament are constructive and it’s important we get answers for local people. The DWP cannot possibly justify removing this service from an area with such great need and with no consultation with the local community.

“I am also seeking a face to face meeting with the Minister for Employment.

“I would urge everyone to sign my petition so that when I submit my formal response to the DWP’s closure notification, I can demonstrate the strong local feeling and need that exists in Alexandria and the surrounding communities.”