Council calls for halt to Post Office closures

12:34, 13 Feb 2004

Councillors at a recent County Council meeting were united in criticising the inadequate consultation period for plans to close urban Post Offices in the county.

Just before Christmas last year, Post Office Ltd announced a proposal to close 20 Post Offices. The consultation period ended last week, and Councillors argued that not enough had been done to assess the impact that the closures would have in many communities.

"People rely on their local post office for the many services it provides and they occupy an important position in the centre of the community," explained Councillor Joyce Bosnjak, who is Chair of the Community Services Select Committee.

The Committee has decided to further investigate the issue, and has asked for an extension to the consultation period of at least another two weeks.

Post Office Limited have been asked to contribute to the review, along with representatives from the Elderly Person's Forum, Sure Start, the Education department and Postwatch, the independent watchdog for postal services in the United Kingdom.

"We should ask local people where and how they want to access their Post Office services, before offices are shut," said Councillor John Carter, who put the resolution to council. "There are alternatives, and our Community Services Select Committee wants to explore them with local communities and Post Office Limited."


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