THERE was a victory for people power last week when it was announced Harrow's local tax office would remain open.

Staff working at Lyon House, in Lyon Road, had faced the threat of closure for more than a year.

However, Her Majesty's Revenue & Customs (HMRC) announced on Thursday, June 14, that the centre, which comprises a tax office, land registry and valuation services, would be retained.

Across the country, 17 offices were closed, affecting 1,350 staff.

Over the past six months, the Public and Commercial Services Union (PCS) has arranged petitions and strikes to save the office.

PCS Harrow branch secretary Mark Benjamin said the decision was a victory for the public as they could continue to visit their local tax office for help with tax returns and in claiming tax credits.

He said: "Pensioners and students should be able to visit their local office and not be forced to telephone a call centre, travel miles or visit an impersonal website."

Mr Benjamin, who is also a member of umbrella body the Harrow Trade Union Council, added: "At Lyon House 700 members of staff could have been affected by its closure."

For the staff, the announcement meant they would not have to face a longer journey to work at another site or the upheaval of changing their childcare arrangements.

However, the tax collection team was told it would relocate to Ealing office next year.