MPS criticise UK post office on closures
Post Office bosses have been told to improve consultation during their urban closure programme following complaints from the North-East.
Tyne Bridge MP David Clelland raised the issue in Parliament after the Post Office announced plans to close 17 outlets across Tyneside.
Despite widespread campaigning to save many of the post offices they were still closed.
And there was also concern that the Post Office didn’t extend its consultation period to take account of the Christmas and New Year period.
Postal Services Minister Stephen Timms said MPs and Postwatch had become increasingly concerned about aspects of the programme, which aims to create a smaller, more viable network.
In a written ministerial statement, he said: “In particular the consultation arrangements have been criticised. There has been mounting evidence that in too many cases Post Office Ltd has not handled them appropriately, or with sufficient sensitivity.”
Changes to the programme include MPs and councils being advised as soon as possible of the timetable for starting consultations on plans for their area.
Councils will also be encouraged to provide advance information on infrastructure and regeneration projects to assist Post Office area plans.
