FOREST of Dean District Council has dispelled rumours that Coleford Jobcentre is to close.

Fears spread after national newspapers reported that the The Department for Work and Pensions is to close 68 offices across the country, including Coleford.

But the district council confirmed that although the DWP is closing the Coleford office in Mushet Place, it is only moving its staff into the council offices.

A council spokesman said: “They are relocating into a part of our offices here with no job losses.

“This means that the services provided by the Jobcentre and the other benefits provided by the council will all be under one roof, which makes perfect sense.”

Employment Minister Damian Hinds said: “We’re merging some offices and locating other Jobcentres with local authorities to make sure that the welfare state and our employment support works for those who need it and those who pay for it.”