BURNLEY MP Kitty Ussher has pledged to back staff at a tax office which has been closed by the Government.

Around 70 people at the HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) office in Towneley House, Burnley, will be affected when it is merged with bases in Blackburn and Manchester.

Although workers will be offered jobs elsewhere, it is believed many will be reluctant or unable to move.

Mrs Ussher, a former junior Treasury minister, earlier this year opposed the closure plan and met employees from the Burnley office.

She has now vowed to meet ministers to discuss the decision and offered staff help to adjust to the changes.

She said: “I am very disappointed. HMRC says the current site is just too small for the planned changes and a suitable new site could not be found.

“I have been advised only processing and back office administrative functions will be moving elsewhere.

“I have been told that businesses and ordinary people will see a minimal change.”