ACC closure set in stone

ACC is expected to announce the closure of its Blenheim and Thames branch offices next Monday, according to Fairfax sources.

Eight jobs are on the line at the Blenheim branch and about four at Thames.

However, ACC lead adviser Laurie Edwards said there had been "no progress" since the last set of negotiations at the beginning of the month and no final decision had been made.

"I don't know where that came from, that's just speculation."

Kaikoura MP Colin King said today he was yet to speak to Pansy Wong, the associate minister of ACC, regarding the closure, despite vowing to write to her when news of the closure broke more than a fortnight ago.

"It's a bit like trying to close the gate after the horse has already bolted," he said this morning.

Marlborough Mayor Alistair Sowman said he was to meet ministers in Wellington tomorrow and would be raising the issue along with the greater problem of public services being moved out of Marlborough.

"I was hopeful the original decision would be overturned with the information that came out, but there seems to be a determination regarding the closure of this branch."

He said he could not foresee any other services being moved out of the region, but acknowledged he did not see the proposal to close the Blenheim ACC Branch coming: "We haven't got many left to strip now."

Fairfax reported this morning the closures are set to be announced on Monday, along with other possible changes to ACC.

Meanwhile, Health Ministry staff are expected to be told of job losses today as cuts are prepared across the state sector before a belt-tightening Budget on May 20.

At least 500 jobs are expected to go over time and possibly more after the establishment of a new National Health Board. The board is up and running now, with former Treasury boss Murray Horn at its head.

Wellington staff were to be briefed on the changes today.

- with Fairfax reproters

- The Marlborough Express

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