27-10-04

Barrett anger at Post Office closure announcements

Commenting on the decision by Post Office Ltd to proceed with 18 of the 21 Edinburgh post office closures put out to public consultation, John Barrett said:
 
“I am furious that Post Office Management has taken a decision to push ahead with so many of these closures, in spite of the clear evidence and the tremendous public opposition.
 
“These closures will rip the heart out of communities across Edinburgh and take lifeline services for some of the society’s most vulnerable further a field. Local people are right to feel completely betrayed by this announcement, which brings into question the entire public consultation process. 
 
“I simply do not understand how management could come to the view that branches like the one in Clermiston or the one in East Craigs should close.  Two packed public meetings and who knows how many formal objections should have convinced them otherwise. I simply do not understand their reasoning.
                                
“It is important to remember that the remaining three post offices, Saughtonhall, Stenhouse Cross and South Gyle are far from saved. All that has happened is that Post Office Ltd and Postwatch have failed to come to an agreement forcing discussions to be taken to a higher level.
 
“This closure process is rooted in the policies of the Labour Government at Westminster, policies which have removed a considerable amount of business away from our post offices. After this death knell for 18 Edinburgh branches, I hope the Labour Party is happy.”
 
ENDS