Oct 28, 2007
Post Office Xmas closure announcement is “insensitive”
Liberal Democrat Parliamentary campaigner Gareth Epps is warning that Royal Mail is planning an unwanted Christmas present for Reading East residents, revealing that they are to announce Post Office closures just two weeks before Christmas – with a consultation period on the closures “buried” in the holiday period.
The closures – part of a programme to close up to one-fifth of the Post Office network nationally – have been announced on the Royal Mail website. The announcement of which post offices in Reading East is scheduled for 11 December. Gareth has already raised the matter with Royal Mail representatives and is writing to Royal Mail Chief Executive Adam Crozier to demand a rethink on the “insensitive” timing of the consultation.
Gareth says:
“The last Conservative Government shut 3,500 Post Offices. Labour have shut 4,000 more. These cuts will decimate the remaining network. If Royal Mail press on with their plans to consult on the closures over the Christmas period, they would be insensitive and would reduce the chances of local people to make effective representations. I would like them to think about the timing of the consultation and the message it sends.
The closures will mean longer journeys for many people just to pick up a pension or send a parcel. They will be felt particularly harshly by the elderly and those who have difficulty getting about. It would be an unwanted Christmas present for Reading East residents.”
Editor’s Notes:-
- Full details of the Post Office closure programme have been published at: Closure Program
- Ironically, today also sees the removal of the Sunday Postal service
