THE decision to close Wales's only forensic science laboratory in Chepstow, with the probable loss of 170 jobs, has been greeted with a mix of anger, resignation and dismay.

Staff are understood to believe the closure decision was a "done deal" months ago, unionists are resigned to negotiating over redundancy, but politicians in Wales claim the closure will lead to a "brain drain" and have pledged to fight on at the "highest level".

The highly secure laboratory has a history of involvement in a wide range of high profile investigations including the July 2005 tube bombings in London, and 'cold case' murders in Ulster. Opened by Prince Charles, following the closure of two forensic labs in Cardiff and Bristol, it was hailed as a "World class" facility in an important geographical location, serving both Wales and the West country.

However, the writing has probably been on the wall ever since the emergence of a privatised forensics industry. Although the Forensics Science Service, which runs Chepstow, is a 100 per cent government owned agency, it is now in fierce competition with private labs. Reorganisation of the service, which will lead to the closure of Chepstow and labs in Chorley and Birmingham, will see a "leaner" structure focusing on crime types like drugs, DNA and counter-terrorism.

Prospect Union negotiator, Mike Sparham, said: "We weren't expecting an announcement about closure quite as quick. We're obviously disappointed, but in the end it seems to be a done and dusted decision. During the consultation period we did put forward some alternatives which would have kept Chepstow open. They were sent to the Forensic Science Service Board but they've now made their decision. The opportunity of making further representations has probably now gone."

Redundancy negotiations for the 171 staff at the site will now begin, with final closure expected in the Spring of 2011.

Chepstow councillor, Armand Watts, said: "We're deeply sorry for everyone employed there. We hoped it would retain its service to Wales and the West country, but I think generally people think this was a done deal. It's a reality and suggesting it isn't is only going to be building false hopes."

But, Phil Hobson, county councillor in Chepstow and regional manager for Welsh Liberal Democrat Assembly Member, Mike German, says the Welsh Assembly Government is being asked to intervene immediately to save the laboratory.

"A central plank of the coalition government is to promote high tech jobs in the future industries of science and technology. Chepstow is a World class facility with a World class team which is going to be split asunder, and many top people will probably move away and be lost to this area. We're going to be pushing this to the highest level and asking what the Assembly is going to do about it?"

"The government is intent on breaking up a service that's served the justice system well for no other reason than saving money based on blind commercialism. The Forensic Science Service has been forced into this decision to remain competitive and Chepstow is a victim of that policy. Our concern is what price do you put on criminal justice? A key thing is Chepstow's strategic location serving Wales and the South West. You've got to remember that when you're dealing with a crime scene every minute counts because in the open air any evidence degrades fast. Speed is of the essence. When Chepstow closes, are the forensics team going to rush down to Wiltshire from Yorkshire, and how quickly will they get there?"