A YORK councillor has backed a battle to prevent a Government-owned company which provides forensic science work for the police being closed down.

The Forensic Science Service is set to be one of the victims of funding cuts, but Coun Ann Reid, who represents Dringhouses and Woodthorpe, said she has been contacted by residents urging her to support a petition opposing its axing.

She said: “I am concerned the closure appears to have been announced without public debate or consultation. The closure of this world-renowned service could have a big impact on the quality of forensic investigations and I think these issues need to be fully debated in public.

“The expectation is that the private sector will fill the gap left by the service, but there is a very real possibility that making a profit will mean critical evidence could be missed or investigations not carried out because of the cost. This could do real harm to investigations and justice in this country.”

The petition opposing the closure can be found at petitionbuzz.com/petitions/savethefss