TWO GWENT AMs are calling on the First Minister to intervene and save Chepstow’s forensic science lab from closure.

Speaking at the Assembly earlier this week, William Graham AM and Mike German AM urged First Minister Rhodri Morgan to do what he can to keep the Forensic Science Service lab operating.

The future of the site has been in jeopardy since June when around 200 job losses were proposed as part of “restructuring” of the service.

Mr German said: “I understand that the service as a whole is under pressure to become more streamlined and efficient. However, we have a highly skilled team of scientist working at Chepstow, I have met them on many occasions to discuss the future and have been impressed with their dedication and enthusiasm for the work they do.

“We cannot afford to lose these high level jobs or to lose forensic science altogether from Wales.”

Mr Graham asked the First Minister for assurances that the Assembly was still in talks with the Home Secretary Alan Johnson.

He said: “It is vital that we retain the Forensic Science Service in Chepstow. Often we think of the police as bobbies-on-the-beat, but the FSS at Chepstow has hundreds of items a year passed to them as evidence by CID and plays a crucial role in fighting and solving crime.”

Consultation over the future of the site was due to end in September, but a Home Office spokesman said yesterday the matter was still under consideration.