SECURICOR Information Systems has confirmed that jobs are to go at its Chippenham branch in Methuen Park.

It was rumoured that up to 100 jobs could go as the computer software firm's development work for the National Strategy for Police Information Systems ends.

Yesterday a Securicor spokesman would not be drawn on the number of jobs under threat but did confirm that a number of people working in its software development section were to lose their contracts. "These contracts will not be renewed due to the completion of the development phase. Some other permanent staff will also be affected," he said.

"It is too early to give exact details, but SIS employees are aware of the situation and we are not in a position to comment further."

Ruth Evans, from Chippenham Jobcentre, said they had not been informed of any job losses.

"We have not heard anything and we are only just getting over the losses at Dyson," she said.

"There are plenty of jobs in the area, but more specialist workers may find it difficult to find new employment.

"If computer technicians are losing jobs they may be hard to place elsewhere," said Ms Evans.

Ian Lloyd, president of the chamber of commerce, said he was not aware that redundancies were to be made.

Securicor presently employs 450 in Chippenham including contractors, and the loss of 100 jobs would be nearly a quarter of its permanent workforce.

James Gray, MP for North Wiltshire, said he was extremely disappointed to hear the news.

"They are a very, very good employer in Chippenham and they bring a lot of investment into the town," said Mr Gray.

"It is worrying because in recent weeks there have been 1,000 losses at Dyson and a further 200 at St Ivel in Wootton Bassett," he said.

Mr Gray said north Wiltshire still remained a high employment area but more job losses did not bode well.

Ms Evans said most people should be able to find new jobs but it may mean they have to look further afield.

"These people should be able to find work in surrounding towns," she said.

Securicor produces voice and data systems and IT products for national and international organisations involved in public safety and security.

Securicor works closely with police authorities across the country and has installed radio systems for more than 20 per cent of police forces in the UK.