A UNION official has called for a consultation into the proposed closure to be delayed.

A 90-day consultation on the closure of the office is due to begin today, with union officials to meet with IPS in London in the afternoon.

But the Public and Commercial Services union’s Passport Office branch secretary said documents laying out a business case for the closure were yet to be received by 3pm yesterday.

Anne-Louise McKeon-Williams said if they do not get the documents “we cannot see what their plans are based on.”

An Identity and Passport Service spokesperson said: "We officially commence the consultation process with staff and PCS on Tuesday (19 October) and as part of that process, we intend to share various official documentation."

* Islwyn’s politicians have now offered their support to the Argus campaign.

Chris Evans MP urged people to sign the petition and added: “The staff at the Newport office do a fantastic job and they have shown great fortitude in the face of new challenges over the years.” Irene James AM also backed the campaign.

Welsh Liberal Democrats at their conference in Brecon have also backed a motion from Newport council deputy leader Ed Townsend, calling on Lib Dem MPs and AMs to lobby against the closure.

If you have not yet signed our petition you can at Newport City Council, Newport Central Library, Newport Centre and the Riverfront Theatre, as well as newsagents across Gwent.