PEOPLE are being asked for their views as fears are growing for the future of 200 jobs in Weymouth.

Views are needed on government plans to privatise the Land Registry, which employs more than 200 people in Weymouth, the Public and Commercial Services (PCS) union says.

There are just days left for people to submit their opinions.

PCS says plans to turn the Land Registry into a government company (GovCo), or bring in other forms of private ownership, are 'unnecessary' and 'politically motivated'.

Concerns about workers' job security were raised by MPs from all parties in a recent debate in parliament.

Former Chief Land Registrar and land registration expert, John Manthorpe, has attacked the proposals, saying he did not believe the system could be administered with the same 'integrity and commercial neutrality' by a private company.

The union fears greater private sector involvement would mean a loss of accountability to the public and MPs.

Michael Kavanagh, president of the union's Land Registry group, said: "We are urging as many people and organisations as possible to tell the government the Land Registry must remain in the public sector.

"As well as defending people's jobs in Weymouth we are determined to defend this vital public service from being sold off for profit because the consequences for the public and small local firms would be catastrophic."