THE future of 417 jobs was in question last night after Government plans to move its offices were scrapped.

The Department for Education (DoE) was unable to give guarantees about its Darlington base, Mowden Hall, after confirming it is no longer planning to move the workforce into new offices.

The DoE’s proposed purpose- built office in Darlington town centre was to form the cornerstone of plans to redevelop the Feethams area of the town into a retail, leisure and office complex.

A DoE spokeswoman said the decision had been taken after examining all aspects of its expenditure. She said frontline education was being prioritised.

“Therefore, regrettably, we cannot afford to proceed with the development of a new building in Darlington town centre,” she said.

The DoE spokeswoman said the possibility of renovation work at Mowden Hall was being explored ahead of the comprehensive spending review in October.

She said: “We appreciate the contribution that our Darlington staff make to the work of the department and we will look at our options to provide staff with a good-quality working environment as part of a wider review of the Department.”

Darlington Borough Council leader John Williams said: “A new headquarters for the DoE would have supported the town centre economy and regeneration and brought vital construction jobs.

“I am hugely disappointed by the cancellation of this fantastic project.

“The council worked closely with the DoE to bring the new-build project forward.

“We will now continue to work to ensure that the department has access to suitable value-for-money accommodation in Darlington and to ensure the jobs associated with the planned HQ remain in the area.”

Karen Loughlin, Unison regional organiser, said: “This would set alarm bells ringing for me. It seems everything is on hold until the comprehensive spending review. It seems this drive to save money is going to be at the expense of everything else, but working conditions are still of paramount importance.”