14-09-04

Lib Dems object over plans to close two ‘vital’ city Post Offices

Liberal Democrats, John Barrett MP, Margaret Smith MSP and CouncillorRobert Aldridge, today published their official objections to the proposed closure of the East Craigs and Clermiston post offices.
 
In two 8 page submissions to Post Office Ltd and copied to consumer watchdog Postwatch, the Liberal Democrat representatives argued the whole package of closures put forward by management was flawed at the most fundamental of levels. They said the decision by Post Office Ltd to only consider closing branches where the sub-postmaster had shown an interest in taking the compensation package was a betrayal of the promises given to them and communities over the last two years.
 
On the basis that management failed to undertake a strategic review of the wholeEdinburghpost office network, they said the entire package of closures should be withdrawn and a full review undertaken.
 
However, they also argued a strong case against the closure of two individual branches – East Craigs and Clermiston, which they said are absolutely vital to their local communities. They also disputed the viability of the receiving branches put forward as alternatives.
 
Commenting, John Barrett MP said:
 
“These objections are comprehensive and compelling.  They cover many of the points raised by the hundreds of people in East Craigs, Parkgrove and Clermiston who have contacted me on the issue.
 
“It is clear Post Office management came to their conclusions to close these branches after failing to properly investigate the affected areas, the housing and the public transport available. In some cases, nothing short of life threatening journeys to other post office branches have been put forward as realistic options for customers.  This is just the kind of flawed basis on which this entire consultation is based.”
 
Margaret Smith MSP, who chaired two public meetings on the closure of East Craigs and Clermiston post offices, said:
 
“As someone who grew up in a post office, a branch that sadly has already closed, I know the important part they play in the community. What Post Office management are proposing is the removal of lifeline services from some of the elderly and most vulnerable people I represent.
 
“Local people’s anger over the proposals is clear for everyone to see.  Representatives from the Post Office got a pretty rough ride at the two public meetings held last month. Management should now be in no doubt that this joint objection is only one of hundreds they can expect to receive before the end of their consultation.”
 
Councillor Robert Aldridge said:
 
“A major public outcry and a concerted local campaign saw off similar plans to close the East Craigs branch four years ago. Many people simply do not understand how Post Office management can come forward so soon with another closure plan.  After all, the arguments put forward to keep the branch open are just as valid now and just as compelling as they were then.
 
“Both East Craigs and Clermiston branches are used by many elderly and disabled people, who simply cannot travel further a field. These are the last branches management should ever have considered closing.”
 
Mr Barrett and Ms Smith also announced their intention to publish similar objections to other West Edinburgh post offices under threat within the next week.
 
ENDS
 
Notes to Editors to follow:
 
• John Barrett is the Liberal Democrat Member of Parliament for Edinburgh West.

• Margaret Smith is the Liberal Democrat Member of the Scottish Parliament for Edinburgh West.

• Robert Aldridgeis the Edinburgh City Councillor for the East Craigs ward.

• Copes of the two submissions are available online: East Craigs, Clermiston.