STEVENAGE Land Registry is to close, with a loss of 280 jobs. Workers at the branch were dealt the devastating blow at 11am this morning (Thursday). The Stevenage office is one of five in the UK which will close, due to the collapse in the housing market

STEVENAGE Land Registry is to close, with a loss of 280 jobs.

Workers at the branch were dealt the devastating blow at 11am this morning (Thursday).

The Stevenage office is one of five in the UK which will close, due to the collapse in the housing market last year and the Land Registry's subsequent loss of income.

One worker said: "We are absolutely gutted. The closures will wipe out Land Registry offices in the whole of the South East of England. Staff are deeply shocked and gutted. Some have been here for 20 years."

She added: "This is a loss to the local economy", and vowed the workers will mount a campaign.

Peter Collis, Chief Land Registrar and Chief Executive, said: "These proposals were not arrived at easily and we very much regret having to close our office in Stevenage which has served us well since 1964.

"The collapse in the housing market last year had a serious and significant effect on our work and income and we lost nearly �130m. Despite the steps we have already taken to cut costs, we will make another loss this year.