31-10-02

Thousands back Barrett campaign on Post Offices

Over 5,000 residents in Edinburgh West have supported local Liberal Democrat MP, John Barrett's campaign against plans to slash the UK post office network.

It follows the admission by Consignia and the Government that one third of post offices will be closed over the next few years, a total of 3,000 closures.

In a statement, Mr Barrett, said:

"This has been the most successful campaign I have ever run in my constituency. The response has been truly overwhelming with thousands of people from Queensferry to Cramond and Corstorphine to Muirhouse adding their names.

"With 21 post offices in my constituency, as many as 7 could be under threat if Consignia gets it way. Clearly, people in West Edinburgh are as concerned as I that such vital parts of their community could be removed along with the key services they provide.

"The Government are doing nothing to help the future of our post office network. Rather than helping post-masters and mistresses, they have performed u-turns like that over the Your Guide scheme, which would have significantly increased the services available at post offices.

"There is also evidence from Edinburgh and throughout the country that benefit customers are being pressured by the Government to accept automated credit transfer of their payments into their bank accounts even though many recipients want to continue to get their money over the post office counter via the new post office card accounts."

ENDS