A BATTLE to stop the threatened closure of Deal Jobcentre takes a new turn on Monday when protestors have a chance to air their concern at the proposals.

Since the proposal was revealed in February, protestors have taken the fight to keep the office open to the House of Commons and petitions have been organised calling for a rethink.

Now Jobcentre district manager Lynda Russell has been invited to a meeting at the district council offices. Labour leader Cllr Peter Wells, from Walmer, said there was growing concern about the decision by Kent managers to “abandon” the Queen Street office.

He added: “It is opposed by the district council, Deal Town Council, the Citizens Advice Bureau and the vast majority of residents of Deal and the surrounding villages.

“Labour councillors and Deal believe that the decision is ill-thought out and will result in the local community receiving a second class service.”

The meeting starts at 6pm at the council offices in the White Cliffs Business Park, Whitfield, and is open to the public. At the chairman’s discretion it may be possible for members of the public to have their say.