Northallerton

Small rural towns with big service functions like Northallerton which supports the County Council in North Yorkshire are really challenged by the current collapse of public sector employment. How much rural proofing went into the decision to move the RPA offices out of the town? This article tells us:

Plans to move 350 public sector jobs out of Northallerton have been described as an “absolute blow” by the town’s mayor.

The Rural Payments Agency announced on Monday it intended to transfer the jobs to York and Newcastle.

Mayor John Forrest said the move, coupled with other recent job losses in the county, would be “detrimental” to businesses in the town.

The agency has said it would work hard to “ensure a smooth transition”.

Speaking to BBC Radio York, Mr Forrest said: “It’s an absolute blow to Northallerton.

“We’re absolutely gutted on the council to receive this information.

“The businesses will feel it. Without those people going to the town during the day the retailers are really going to find it hard.”