Up to 56 jobs could go if HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) closes the office at Triton House, in St Andrew's Street North.

The Public and Commercial Services (PCS) Union say its members have been told Bury will definitely close, which it claims will lead to a poorer service.

HMRC claims the public will not notice any difference as an inquiry desk will still be maintained.

"By consolidating work in fewer locations, HMRC will be able to work more efficiently and so improve customer service as well as providing better value for money," said Mary Hay, HMRC director, responsible for the review.

However, Mehera Arjani, union representative for the Bury tax office, said customers visiting the inquiry desk were already told to ring an 0845 number and visit the website. If they needed to speak to someone face to face they had to book an appointment.

"Most of our customers are tax credits claims and pensioners – it might be difficult for them to get to the next nearest tax office at Ipswich.

"They might not have internet access and a lot of the time people say they cannot get through on the 0845 number.

"It is a slow erosion of our service," she said.

Ms Arjani, who has worked at the office for 19 years, said the closure would also mean less investigative work of tax claims.

Many of the staff are part time, working flexible hours around their children's schooling and would not be able to make the switch to an alternative tax office, she added.

She also said the plans, which could see 21 out of 38 offices in the Eastern Region close, have led to a backlog of work, poor customer service and low staff morale.

The closure is part of a wider review of HMRC offices in the East of England, which is out to consultation until August 6.

The PCS has started an online petition at http://www.saveourburytaxoffice.co.uk/

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