Warnings over post office closures

Last Modified: 02 Oct 2007
Source: ITN

Public consultation has begun on the closure of 2,500 post offices across the UK, amid warnings it will hit communities hard.

Customers in Kent, East Midlands and East Yorkshire will be asked for their views on proposals to close 180 branches in their areas.

Kent County Council said it had "serious concerns" at the way the closure process was being held, adding that the six-week consultation period was unacceptable.

Roger Gough, the council's Cabinet member for regeneration, said: "This is a damaging and rushed process, which will cause great harm to Kent's urban and rural communities.

"It is most important that we clearly demonstrate the knock-on effects that losing these branches will have and we're asking Kent residents to come forward and help us build that picture."

Post Office managing director Alan Cook said: "We want to ensure that everyone who uses, relies on or has any concern with Post Office services is both fully aware of the changes we are proposing to meet Government requirements and able to give views on how accessible services will be in the future."

Dr Stuart Burgess, chairman of the Commission for Rural Communities, urged people to make their views known about closures, adding: "There are already successful examples around the country of Post Office services being provided in places such as pubs and community halls, as well as in village shops.

"Wherever there are possibilities, as part of the consultation process, to consider alternative ways of providing service, I am confident rural communities will make the most of the opportunity to come forward with practical and creative solutions."

Gordon Lishman, director-general of Age Concern, said: "The fact that the Government and the Post Office are ploughing through the local consultations in six weeks rather than 12 suggests that decisions may have already been made.

"We know that the vast majority of older people consider their post office to be a lifeline, with many relying on the post office as a one-stop shop to access cash and benefits, pay bills, get advice and information, and socialise. This lifeline must not be severed.

"We are urging the Government and the Post Office Ltd not to take a 'bull-in-a-china-shop' approach but to take the time to make this restructuring a workable long-term solution."

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