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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