18-11-02

Barrett and Smith take Post Office campaign to Prime Minister

Edinburgh West parliamentarians, John Barrett MP and Margaret Smith MSP have presented their post office campaign petition to 10 Downing Street.

The petition calls on the Government to take urgent action to stop the wave of post office closures across the United Kingdom and has been backed by over 6,000 of their Edinburgh West constituents.

Figures show that post office closures have increased since Labour came to power with 233 closed in 1999, 382 in 2000 and 547 in 2001. Now, an estimated 3,000 post offices will close across the UK under the Government's proposals.

In a statement, Mr Barrett, said:

"This has been the most successful campaign I have ever run in my constituency. People in Edinburgh West, especially my more elderly constituents depend heavily on their local post office and the key services they provide.

"We hope the names handed in to the Prime Minister today are merely the first wave. This is definitely not in any way the end to our campaign. Anyone who hasn't signed the petition yet can still do so through my website www.johnbarrett.com or by contacting my office on 339-0339."

"The more people who back the campaign, the more pressure can be put on the Government to halt their closure plans."
Margaret Smith MSP added:

"As someone who grew up in a post office, I know the importance that they serve to local communities. With 21 post offices in my constituency, as many as 7 could be under threat if the Government gets it way. Even Postwatch, the post office regulator says that is too many. People in West Edinburgh are deeply concerned that such vital parts of their community could be removed."

ENDS