PORTHMADOG has been dealt another blow to its economy with the news that a support service for the elderly is to close, with the loss of 12 jobs.

This week, Canllaw Cyf, announced it will be closing Gofal a Thrwsio, situated in Penamser Business Park, and will be relocating its staff to a central office in Bangor.

Its office in Llangefni will also close.

The office in Porthmadog currently provides practical advice and assistance to people over 60 years of age and people with disabilities to repair and adapt their home so that they can live in comfort and safety.

Canllaw say the decision to close the Porthmadog office is due to administration costs.

The news has prompted councillors to voice their disappointment with the decision, which comes only weeks after HMRC announced it would be closing its only Welsh language office, putting at risk 20 jobs in the town.

Cllr Alwyn Gruffydd (pictured outside the Canllaw Cyf offices), said he was extremely disappointed with the news the office will be closing.

The councillor, who represents Tremadog on Gwynedd Council and is also a member of Porthmadog Town Council, said: “This is another very sad day for Porthmadog.

“The staff that work there are local to Porthmadog and they now have to make the decision whether they want to find another job or make the commute each day to Bangor.

“It’s certainly another blow for Porthmadog, especially following the recent news of what is happening with the tax office.

“This is not the right decision to make and certainly won’t benefit the elderly and infirm who use the service here in Porthmadog.

"They will now have to travel for consultations in Bangor, which is not right.

“Once again the area has been let down – it’s a shame there are never any grants available to help employment in this area, unless it’s to do with tourism.”

Cllr Jason Humphreys, who represents Porthmadog East, said he was also disappointed upon hearing the news.

He said: “Gofal a Thrwsio is part of Canllaw which is part of Cynefin. When the latter was formed, through the merger of Tai Eryri and Clwyd, we were told that jobs wouldn’t be centralised.

“I visited the Canllaw office in Porthmadog and was told that the reason behind this decision was 15 per cent cuts by the Assembly and obligations stemming from the Williams Commission Report, which is driving the intention to cut the number of councils from 22 to 12.

People who are supporting this aren’t supporting communities like Porthmadog.”

A spokesperson for Canllaw (Eryri) Cyf said: “Canllaw has decided to move from its offices in Llangefni and Porthmadog to a central office in Bangor to reduce administration costs and protect frontline services.“The decision to merge Gwynedd and Mon Care and Repair agencies was made in line with Welsh Government policy, due to grant cuts. “Services will continue to be provided locally through home visits, and clients will not see any change in the service provided. “There will be no job losses. Twelve jobs are currently based at Porthmadog and will be relocated to Bangor.”