As many of you will be aware, the
government is planning to close about
2,500 post offices across the country.
The Post Office at the Co-op by
Victoria Park is one of those earmarked
for closure and the government is
seeking the views of local people.
Presenting these plans to the Commons
in May last year, as Secretary of State
for Trade and Industry, Alistair
Darling said that Post Offices play an
important social and economic role in
the communities they serve. I agree!
I am particularly concerned at the
impact on older people. As a previous
cabinet member for adult social care, I
know that most older people
want to live in their own homes within
their local community for as long as
possible. The government says that
customers can go to another post office
or use the internet or have pensions
paid directly into bank accounts.
However, for many older people, this is
simply not an option.
The county council is working hard to
help older people live independently.
Yet closing the local post office works
directly against this.
We need more local services, not less!
There is an excellent petition, which
can be found in the Post Office
itself. If you have not already done
so, do please sign this.
I have sent my comments to the National
Consultation Team. If you would like
to send in your comments, please do so
by 31st January. You can –
• Write to Tim Nickolls, Network
Development Manager, Post Office Ltd,
C/o National Consultation Team,
FREEPOST CONSULTATION TEAM
• Email
consultation@postoffice.co.uk
• Ring 08457-223344
click here to register your interest in participating in the community
