SIXTY Poole staff have received devastating news, just before Christmas, that their jobs will be axed.

The Government yesterday announced the closure of all 39 local offices of the Driver Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA).

The closures will be completed by the end of 2013 and are supposed to save £28million a year.

The Poole office at Bourne Gate on Bourne Valley Road has 60 staff and they may be offered jobs elsewhere in the civil service.

But Mark Serwotka general secretary of the PCS union said: “To announce it just two weeks before Christmas is insulting and devastating for staff.

“These cuts to local communities are outrageous and unnecessary, and will further weaken economies crying out for investment.”

The work done by the 1,200 local employees affected will be centralised at the DVLA’s headquarters in Swansea in South Wales.

Roads Minister Mike Penning said: “This will make dealing with the DVLA easier and quicker for motorists and businesses up and down the country.”

The 39 regional offices carry out a range of administrative functions such as arranging trade plates for garages, vehicle inspections and personalised registration transfers.

Poole MP Robert Syms said: “I know there’s been some concern about the office for some time. Nearly all parts of the Government are having to cut back.

“The advantage of a local office is that you get a better service so I’ll be having a word with the minister to make sure they have thought this through.

“And I am concerned about the 60 jobs going from the Bournemouth and Poole area.”