MORALE at York's Land Registry Office is at an all time low and local solicitors have said its impending closure will be "detrimental" to businesses.

The Press reported last May that the office would close by 2010 with the loss of 127 jobs. But it will actually close to the public and businesses from 1 April of this year, existing only as a sub-office. This will mean customers will have to deal with offices in Hull or Durham.

An employee at the Land Registry's James Street offices, who prefers to remain anonymous, said: "The recent announcement that all the North Yorkshire and East Riding work previously handled in York will be dealt with by Durham and Hull offices in just a few weeks time has come as a bit of a surprise."

The staff member added that the closure will also be bad for York businesses with less money going back into the local economy.

David Hyams, a partner at Ware and Kay solicitors in Peasholme Green, York, said the closure would have a detrimental impact on local businesses who deal with property at various levels."

  • for more details see The Press today.