"DON'T KO THE PO!" - Campaign Launched to Save Post Offices (Leeds Liberal Democrats)

Leeds Liberal Democrats <info@leedslibdems.org.uk>

"DON'T KO THE PO!" - Campaign Launched to Save Post Offices

October 20, 2004 2:12 PM

The Post Office has just published the results of the comprehensive review of the Post Office network in Leeds North West and this includes the closure of 5 sub post offices: the Bowoods branch on Stainbeck Road, Silk Mill Drive, Spen Lane, West Park and Westbourne Park on Bradford Road in Otley.

Cllr Greg Mulholland, Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Spokesperson for Leeds North West has today launched a campaign to fight the closures.

Says Cllr Mulholland, "Post Offices are often the backbone of local communities and these areas are no exception to this. This Government seems to see Post Offices as the same as any other business and this fails to take into account the invaluable service they provide."

The Post Office claims that customers will continue to have good access to Post Office services. Greg responds, "This is shortsighted and will seriously inconvenience people in these communities. May people rely on the services provided by the post office, notably elderly people who don't have access to private transport and either walk or get the bus. There are ways of incorporating other services within sub post offices so this is another example of a complete lack of joined-up thinking from the Government and we will be sending a clear message to go back and think again".

Public consultation ends on Wednesday 10th November and closure would actually take place in January 2005 and local people are urged to have their voices heard. They can do this by writing to the Post Office to: David Mellows-Facer, Head of Area, Post Office Ltd. c/o National Consultation Team, PO Box 2060, Watford WD18 8ZW and also by signing Cllr Mulholland's petition.

Greg Mulholland adds, "We have already had and we urge as many local residents as possible to sign the petition to let the Post Office know that their plans are not acceptable."

Anyone wanting to sign the petition or get copies to distribute please email greg@gregmulholland.org or call 0113 274 3033.