STAFF at the Open Univeristy's regional centre in Oxfordshire are to go on strike next week in a row over office closures.

Members of the University and College Union (UCU) at the centre in Boars Hill will stage the walkout on Wednesday in protest at Open University plans to close seven regional centres.

The union claims these plans, which included proposals to close the Boars Hill centre, could put 502 jobs at risk.

The one-day strike will take place at all Open University sites and will be followed by a series of extra one-day walkouts from Monday, November 30 onwards at the sites earmarked for closure.

The second Boars Hill strike is planned for Wednesday, December 2.

Of those who voted in the UCU ballot on strike action 72 per cent voted in favour, with 83 per cent backing action short of  a strike, such as work to rule.

The other six centres which the Open University wants to close are in Birmingham, Bristol, Cambridge, Gateshead, Leeds and London.

On November 25 staff will also go on strike at the university's offices in Belfast, Cardiff, Edinburgh, Milton Keynes, Mahcester and Nottingham.

The Open University council is due to meet on Tuesday, November 24 to vote on the plans.

UCU Open University branch president Pauline Collins said: "Nobody wants to take strike action, but we feel this is our only alternative.

"The closures have been criticised by staff, students, former students and politicians.

"Our senate, which is the academic body of the university, rejected the plans as high risk and failing to support the mission of the university.

"The ball is now firmly in the university’s court and we hope they will see sense and reject these plans."

Open University spokeswoman Christine Dragwell said: "We understand that this will be a difficult time for everyone involved, including those most directly affected, and want to work constructively with unions to look after staff in the best possible way.

"We do not believe industrial action will be beneficial for our staff or students.

"The proposals to replace seven smaller support centres in England with three larger centres would allow us to invest more in student support.

"Our services to students would be enhanced by these proposals, and no existing services to students will be withdrawn."