THE jobs at Newport would not have been saved had there not been a campaign against propoals to shut the office.

That was the message from local politicians who had joined together with the Argus and staff to pressure the government to save the Newport Passport Office.

However MPs and AMs said it remained a bad day for those who could find themselves out of work.

Paul Flynn, Newport West MP, said there had been a “wonderful campaign” against the proposed closure. He thanked everyone involved and congratulated the Argus for its efforts.

“The campaign has been successful in making sure that the job losses were spread througout the UK,” he said, adding that he hoped that it would be a turning point for Newport city centre.

“But its still a bad day. 120 local people are going to lose their jobs. It is a severe blow but its much easer to cope with than the feared 300.

Jessica Morden, Newport East’s MP, said the government was forced into a partial u-turn as a result of a strong community campaign by the workers, the unions and the South Wales Argus.

But she added: “This is still a 50 per cent job cut and you have to feel deeply for the workers losing their jobs who have had this decision hanging over their heads since October.”

Matthew Evans, Newport council leader, said: “We sympathise with those who are affected by this morning’s decision and are disappointed that IPS did not decide to keep Newport’s Passport Office fully open and want assurances that everything possible will be done for those affected.

“However, we welcome the news that 150 jobs will be retained in the city.”

Gareth Beer, chief executive of Newport Unlimited, said: “While pleased that the outcome is more positive than the original outright closure proposals, we are still saddened at the loss of jobs at Newport’s passport office.”

First minister Carwyn Jones said it was “extremely disappointing news.”

"This decision by the UK Government now leaves Wales as the only region of the UK without a fully fledged passport office,” he said.

"The Newport passport office is also a significant employer in Newport, and the loss of these valuable jobs will have a huge impact on the city and the local economy.”

He said the Welsh Government would do all it can to support staff andf help them find new jobs or retrain.

Rosemary Butler, Newport West AM and the presiding officer of the National Assembly for Wales, said it was still a “black-day” for Newport – which could have been worse without the campaign.

Newport East AM John Griffith said the announcement, althought not as bad as feared, was “still a major blow”.

Welsh secretary Cheryl Gillian said: “The public consultation on the closure proposals was extended and today’s announcement shows we have listened and responded to the concerns of local people.”