Sinn Féin’s Chris Hazzard MP has welcomed confirmation today from the Department for Communities that both Ballynahinch & Newcastle Social Security Offices will stay open.
Mr Hazzard said: “For some time now we have been calling on the Department to invest in local services rather than close them; so today’s announcement is great news for staff and service users alike.
“The fact that both of these offices will now remain open and facilities improved ahead of next year’s rollout of Universal Credit provides long overdue clarity.
“I want to thank the Department for taking on board our concerns with this process to date; and I congratulate all those who stood united in their opposition to such closures in months gone by.
Mourne Councillor Willie Clarke has also welcomed the decision and said: “Sinn Féin has lobbied the department for several months and we are delighted with the outcome of the DfC decision. It is great news for the people of the Ballynahinch and Newcastle areas.”
Also: see Welfare Changes
