MP in talks to keep Post Offices open
The campaign to stop the Government’s planned closure of more than one third of urban post offices has taken a step forward.
John Barrett, campaign leader and Liberal Democrat MP for Edinburgh West, has met Trade and Industry Minister Stephen Timms to discuss plans to save the 3000 post offices under attack.
Mr Barrett’s petition, backed by 6000 constituents, focuses on the essential role urban post offices play for many vulnerable people.
He said : “The thought of losing up to seven post offices in my constituency, and many more throughout the rest of Edinburgh, is quite frankly terrifying.
“The Government must recognise that post offices are vital to communities they serve .
“They urgently need to address how they intend to make up the shortfall in post revenue that will arise from their plans to pay pensions and benefits directly into people’s accounts.”
Mr Barrett also called on the Government to consider how to respond to the massive number of local inquiries that would result when people realised it was their post office that was up for closure.
