Stafford Lib Dems Call for Rethink On Post Office Closure Plans

2.55.49pm GMT Fri 15th Dec 2006

The news that 2500 post offices are to close have been meet with anger by Barry Stamp, the Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Spokesperson for Stafford

"I am appalled that many communities once again faced the prospect of loosing their post offices, which were a lifeline to many people who could not travel to the next nearest branch."

"Stafford is still reeling from the loss of a number of sub-post offices a couple of years ago, and many residents must now face the prospect that further offices could be closed. As justification for these plans the Government are saying that fewer people are now using their post office as more transaction are done online or by telephone. However what they fail to say is that over the past few years they have reduced the number of services that are available at post offices by having pensions and child benefit paid directly into bank accounts, and transferring TV and driving licence and passport renewals to other means. No wonder fewer people use the post office now!"

"What is needed is a recognition that local post offices play a vital part in their communities and everything should be done to keep them open. I believe more flexibility should be given to post masters to allow them to develop their businesses as they see fit, rather than tying them down with regulations and red tape. The present plan is extremely short-sighted, and will only result in local communities being made to suffer."

"Closing local post offices will hit the elderly, the young, and mothers with young children hard. For many people travelling to a post office some distance away is not an option and it is these people who will be the hardest hit. We must do everything we can to fight this plan, and I would urge everyone to take part in the consultation process and let the Government know the strength of feeling there is against this proposal," said Barry Stamp.

"On a more positive note it is good to see that the subsidy to help rural post offices stay open has been extended for another three years, but once again this is only plastering over the cracks and does not guarantee the long term future of these businesses. I for one will certainly be fighting any closures in the Stafford area, " added Barry Stamp.