30-06-04

Barrett challenges Blair on Post Offices

John Barrett, Liberal Democrat MP for Edinburgh West, today challenged Tony Blair in the House of Commons over how long the Prime Minister expects people to have to walk to get to their nearest post office.

Over 3,000 urban post office branches are expected to close nationwide under a major cost cutting programme supported by the Government. A full list of Edinburgh closures is expected over the summer with as many as a third under threat. Some post offices, such as the branch on Hope Street, have already closed.

Post Office chiefs say that 90% of people will still be living within a mile of a post office. However, little consideration is given to the difficulty for people to travel that mile.

John Barrett, who has over 20 urban post offices in his West Edinburgh constituency, added:

"With the spectre of post office closures in the Capital looming, it seemed only right to ask the Prime Minister how long he expects my constituents to have to walk to get to their local post office. After all, these closures are only happening because of his Government's support. It was not too surprising that he avoided answering the question.  He knows that after these closures happen, many people will have to travel a much greater distance to use key day to day services.

"One mile may not be much if you have a direct bus link. However, what if there is no public transport?  What if there is a steep hill along the way or a busy road with no crossing? Whatever excuses the Government comes up with, I am sure there will be tough opposition, from me and my constituents, when these local post office closures are announced."

ENDS