Deal's MP Gwyn Prosser is demanding the Jobcentre be reopened in the town centre to help cope with soaring jobless figures.

He has written to the area manager of the government service and also to the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions James Purnell insisting action be taken.

Mr Prosser said: “I fought a pitched battle, supported by the community, the mayor, the town council and the staff to oppose the closure and I took my case to Parliament.

“But regrettably the office was shut down and the site has been empty ever since.

“Management promised to retain an outreach facility in Deal and said they would help out claimants who couldn’t afford to travel to the Dover office or to Canterbury.

“There is no evidence of either and as jobless numbers grow more of my Mr Prosser added: “The best way this additional cash can be used in our patch is to reopen Deal’s Jobcentre.”

Cllr Sue Delling, WHO campaigned with the MP against the closure, said: “It is totally unacceptable now in the present economic situation.”

A spokesman from the Department for Work and Pensions said: “In 2005 we agreed to maintain a free phone service in Deal Library which is still in place today.

“There are no plans to open a new Jobcentre Plus. Claimants can contact with Jobcentre Plus via telephone and can carry out job searches online at www.jobcentreplus.gov.uk”