THE UK Government is using Glasgow as a testing ground for further cuts across the country it is feared.

Politicians community groups and activists gathered in Maryhill to organise against the proposal to shut the local jobcentre as one of seven facing the axe in the city.

The proposal is to close the Maryhill Road office and send claimants to Springburn, three miles away.

Bod Doris Maryhill and Springburn SNP MSP said many are of the opinion that if they can get away with it in Glasgow they will get away with it anywhere.

Union officials said they were sure the level of opposition has already given the DWP a scare as planned announcements for the rest of the UK have not been made.

Mr Doris urged people who were opposed to the closures to join the campaign and fight to save the city’s Jobcentres.

He said :”If they can do this They can do it anywhere in the UK. People are thinking if they can break Glasgow, the toughest nut to crack, then they will get away with it anywhere else. People have told me that.”

The city is facing a 50% cut in the number of Jobcentres from 14 to seven, but only three are being consulted on, Bridgeton, Castlemilk and Maryhill, because of the longer distance and time to reach the proposed alternative.

Community organisations working with Jobcentre users feared that closure would have a devastating impact on some people’s lives.

Nikki O’Hara Surestart Scheme Manager in Maryhill, who works with families living in poverty said many will not afford to travel to Springburn by bus.

She said: “The impact on families will be huge. Many people have serious problems already. If don’t provide travel expenses they cant come to our groups. It will be devastating for the most vulnerable.”

The local Citizens Advice Bureau has been trying to gauge the impact and difficulty the closure will have.

Megan Duffy, Fundraising assisant said: “We wanted to hear from people who use the Jobcentres and the support services, like the internet use.

“Some can’t afford internet of their own and don’t know where else they would access it.”

She said so far their survey which is ongoing found 66% said closure would be an “extreme inconvenience” and 36% walk to the jobcentre currently leading to concerns they woouls not afford the extra bus fares.

Patrick Grady , Glasgow North SNP MP organised the meeting said there was a strong cases for Mayhill being retained.

He said: “The three that have gone out to consultation, the government recognise they have the weakest case for closure.

“We have the strongest case for retaining these services in Maryhill.”

He urged people to take part in the consultation and sign petitions to oppose the closures.

The consultation can be responded to via e-mail to plp.communicationsteam@dwp.gsi.gov.uk

Or by post to Etta Wright District Manager’s Office Public Consultation, 1st floor Laurieston Jocentre 159-181 Pollokshaws Road, Glasgow, G41 1PW.