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Jobseekers have been left shocked after a Northumberland job centre was suddenly closed over a legal dispute.

Witnesses watched on as bailiffs smashed down the doors of the JobCentre Plus building in Blyth at around 7.50am on Wednesday.

One man said the doors were chained shut and a notice was put in the window which read: “Due to unforeseen circumstances Blyth JobCentre is currently closed. Payments will not be affected.”

He added: “I was standing having a cigarette outside when a group of bailiffs smashed down the front door, where the customer entrance is.

(Image: Newcastle Chronicle)

“They were inside for a while before they puts chains on the doors. I was told that it could be closed for weeks. The nearest centre is probably in Ashington, about five miles away.”

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) said the job centre does not own the building and the dispute involved another organisation based there.

A DWP spokesman said: “Customers won’t be affected and as it stands there is no need to go anywhere else. If the situation does go on then they will be updated.”

On Thursday, the building remained closed and a bailiff possession notice was left taped to the doors for the property company Telereal Trillium.

It read: “Take notice that your landlord has this day 30th August 2017 exercise their right to instruct certificated bailiffs to peaceably re-enter and take possession on this premises.

“This property is now legally occupied by the landlords. Any attempt to break into this property will be classed as a criminal offence and will be reported to the police.”

A Telereal Trillium spokesman said: “Telereal Trillium provide estates and facilities management services to the DWP on a portfolio across the UK.

“The current matter at Blyth is the result of a third party landlord action and it is in the hands of our solicitors. We are unable to comment further due to ongoing legal proceedings.”