Kingsbridge's Jobcentre Plus branch is to be closed down in March, the Department for Work and Pensions has confirmed.

Centres in Sidmouth, Axminster, Exmouth, Okehampton, Plympton, Ilfracombe and Tavistock will also close under controversial plans unveiled by Employment Minister Caroline Flint.

The closures are expected to save the Government around £1.4m.

There will be no redundancies as a result of the closures, with all staff being redistributed in the system.

The decision to close the Devon branches has angered Coun Mandy Govier, chairman of the Jobcentre Plus group.

She said: "We have serious concerns about the implications for vulnerable people who desperately need these services. Jobcentres are not just about jobs. People need to sign on for income support, incapacity benefit and other services.

"The offices are also a crucial advice centre for people who need disability living allowance, attendance allowance, child, pension and working credits."

Under the Government's proposals, some Jobcentres would be run from libraries - but it is still not sure whether this includes Kingsbridge.

Figures recently released by the Government reveal that the level of employment in the South West has surged by around 45,000 in the last 12 months to 2.56 million.

In December 2007, there were 38,500 people claiming Jobseekers Allowance in the region, a drop of 10,000 on a year earlier.