CONCERNS have been raised over a plan to close a Jobcentre in an area with a high rate of unemployment in the borough.

More than 800 people currently receive Job Seekers Allowance (JSA) in Cray Valley East and West and Orpington wards but the local Jobcentre could soon close.

Cray Valley East ward councillor, Brenda Thompson, Orpington college principal and chief executive, Simon Norton, and the management team at the Cotmandene Centre have all raised concerns and opposed the closure plan.

Cllr Thompson said the closure should not go ahead and warned that travel expenses could be too high for residents if they had to move to go to another office.

She also said that those who were incapacitated would find the journey difficult.

The Cotmandene Centre has also objected on the grounds of the expense and difficulty of travel, particularly the time it would add to parents journey times and their ability to collect children from school.

Mr Norton’s concerns centred on the relationship between Orpington College and Jobcentre users and the impact this would have on them accessing courses and getting back to work.

Last night the council agred to ask Jobcentre Plus to work with the council to ensure links with local services.

It also requested that Orpington residents have access to up-to-date information about services so they are not at a disadvantage.

Councillors have also agreed to allow an additional trade day for Bromley Town Centre Market on a trial period.

It will be able to open on the first Sunday of each month between Spring and Christmas 2008.

It was also agreed that Bromley Charter Market could move to the High Street and open on Thursdays.

However, this is now subject to a consultation, planning application and approval for the types of goods sold.