24-08-04

Local MP organises two public meetings ahead of key Post Office debate

John Barrett, Liberal Democrat MP for Edinburgh West, today announced the details of two public meetings he has organised to discuss the proposed closure of critical post offices in his constituency.
 
Last month, Post Office management announced their intention to close 20 post offices acrossEdinburgh, including 8 on the west side of the city.  Mr Barrett, the only Edinburgh MP to vote against the post office closure programme in the House of Commons, has already been successful in securing a debate in Parliament on the issue.
 
In the weeks since the announcement was made, Mr Barrett said the number of people who had contacted his office about the proposed closures had now passed the 1,000 mark.  The strength of the anger felt my local people has convinced him of the need for these two public meetings in which representatives of Post Office management as well as the consumer watchdog Postwatch will be present.  The details of the meetings are:

• Meeting to discuss the Proposed Closure of Clermiston Post Office
  Monday 30th August, 7pm, Clermiston Primary School.

• Meeting to discuss the Proposed Closure of East Craigs Post Office
  Tuesday 31st August, 7pm, East Craigs Church Centre.

Commenting, John Barrett MP said:
 
"Ever since Post Office management announced their plans, I have stressed to them the importance of listening to local people's views.  After all it is local people, especially the elderly and disabled, who depend most on post offices and who will be hardest hit if the closures get the go ahead.
 
"These two public meetings which I have now organised will give people an important opportunity to make their views known face to face with Post Office management and Postwatch.  However, it is just as important for me to hear what people think so I can take their concerns and their views straight to the heart of Government in my parliamentary debate next month.
 
"I am confidant that with the right effort and the right arguments, my constituents and I can convince Post Office management and Government Ministers of the damaging effects of their planned mass closure programme.  Working together, I know we can get these plans reversed."