POWYS County Council must make urgent representations to Cardiff Bay to prevent offices closing in Llandrindod Wells and Newtown, councillors said last week.
Leader of the council Michael Jones called for agricultural offices in both towns to be retained, at a full council meeting on July 14.
Around 200 members of staff are employed between the two Welsh Government buildings, which offer a number of government services as well as agriculture.
“If these workers had to travel to Aberystwyth, it could have a major impact on their lives and also the carbon footprint,” councillor Jones said, calling for the local authority to make ‘urgent representations’ to the Welsh Government on the matter.
Cllr Les Davies added: “We all know the local road network, to think of accessing Aberystwyth in the winter may not be to everyone’s liking.
“There are other services offered at these buildings other than farming. It is about access to services. Public transport has its limitations as well.
“We want to keep these jobs and services within the county of Powys,” he said.
Llandrindod county councillor Sarah Millington said the Welsh Government’s location strategy directly affects both Llandrindod and Newtown.
“There is a growing anxiety among workers and businesses,” she said.
“It would be a huge blow if these jobs move and the last thing we need is another empty building.”
Fellow Llandrindod county councillor Gary Price said this matter had been going on since April when the PCS Union first heard rumours of the proposed move.
Llanwrtyd county councillor Tim Van Rees said it was not only Powys which has its agricultural services dealt with here.
“I deplore any suggestion to reduce the services available here,” he told the meeting.
“There is also a small office in Brecon which I would be grateful if that could be encompassed in this as well.”
Cllr Gwilym Vaughan said there were excellent staff at both Llandrindod and Newtown, but added: “For a farmer in the Dyfi Valley to come to Llandrindod it’s 60 miles, which is further than to get to Aberystwyth.
“Llandrindod has been very fortunate over the years to have all services here.”
In a written statement issued on July 12, finance minister Jane Hutt said: "The Welsh Government is committed to retaining jobs in Caernarfon, Carmarthen, Newtown and Llandrindod Wells.
"We will work with partners, staff and the trade unions to ensure that this commitment is delivered in the most cost effective and efficient way."
The location strategy paper will be considered by Cabinet at the Senedd on Tuesday, July 26.
Once agreed, the Welsh Government will consult with staff and the trade unions on opportunities in the key locations, they have said.