Nov 14, 2007
Post Office Closure Consultation Extended After LIB DEM Pressure
The Post Office has today (14 November) bowed to pressure from Liberal Democrat campaigners; Cllr Gareth Epps has received written confirmation from them that they are extending the consultation period on the proposed closure of up to one-fifth of Reading’s Post Offices.
Gareth wrote to them after it emerged that the closures would be announced on 11 December – followed by a consultation period over the Christmas and New Year holiday period. At the suggestion of Wokingham Lib Dem council group leader Cllr Prue Bray, Wokingham Borough Council wrote along similar lines demanding a rethink to the timing.
Post Office Ltd have confirmed that “a decision has been taken to extend all consultations [on proposed branch closures] that cover this period by 10 calendar days and therefore consultation will commence on 11 December 2007 as planned but will now end on 31 January 2008.”
Commenting, Gareth said:
“The extra time for residents to respond to the Post Office closure plans is welcome. However, the refusal of the Post Office to delay the bad news makes a rotten Christmas present for local residents.
Post Offices play a vital role in our communities. These closures will hit local people, particularly older residents, very hard.
My Liberal Democrat colleagues and I will be fighting the closures and protecting local facilities.”
Editor’s Note. The Photo shows from left to right Gareth Epps, Redlands Councillor Daisy Benson and local campaigner Neal Brown at the Crown Colonnade Post Office in Cemetery Junction.
