THE Land Registry has revealed that its York office is to shut down in 2010, with the loss of more than a hundred jobs.

The organisation said it was the first time in its 145-year history that it had decided to shut one of its offices, and the decision had been taken after consulting with staff and unions.

The organisation's Chief Executive and Chief Land Registrar, Peter Collis, said it had been one of the most difficult decisions he had ever had to make - "and certainly the saddest."

But he said: "Because of improved processes and changes in technology, staff numbers have reduced through natural wastage and we need to reduce the amount of property we hold."

The registry said the office at James House in James Street would shut on September 30, 2010.

"All staff at York are being encouraged to consider moving to other Land Registry offices, including the nearest one in Hull," said a spokesman.

"York Office currently employs 127 members of staff and is responsible for the land registration of the city of York, the East Riding of Yorkshire and North Yorkshire."

Mr Collis said he would prefer all staff to choose to stay with the Registry at Hull or one of the other offices, but knew this would be impossible for some.

"We are committed to providing support and help to those that need it, whether you stay with us or not."

Support packages have been prepared for staff, including assistance with relocation and travelling costs if necessary.

The registry stressed that although the closure would mean that a public enquiry service was no longer available in the town, most Land Registry services were now available either online or via the telephone. "Following the closure, Hull will be the closest Land Registry office to York."

The decision came almost a year after it emerged that the office was set to shut within ten years.

The organisation said last May that, following a full review, there would be a "planned reduction" in the number of local offices it operated, with York one of those to shut.

No exact date was set then for the York closure, but the Registry said it would be by 2015 - when the lease on James House ran out.

The Land Registry registers titles to land in England andWales and records dealings, sales and mortgages for example, with registered land. Its principal aims include providing ready to access and guaranteed land information enabling confident dealings in property and security of title.

The Public and Commercial Services Union (PCS) blasted the closure plans last year as a "blow to the north", which would leave staff struggling to find alternative public sector jobs.

York branch secretary Linda Cartwright said: "As we see more reductions in the civil service, communities like ours suffer because people just can't up and move away. With cuts in the public sector it is extremely difficult to get jobs elsewhere."