Decision to close local post offices is 'shameful' says John Leech MP

3.01.44pm UTC (GMT +0000) Wed 13th Aug 2008

John Leech, Liberal Democrat MP for Manchester, Withington has condemned the announcement that two post offices in his constituency are going to be closed despite a huge local effort to save them.

John Leech MP has been campaigning hard with other Lib Dem MPs to oppose the post office closures

Despite a petition that gained the support of over 1,500 local residents, which Mr Leech presented in Parliament, and massive local opposition to the decision, it has been decided that both Ladybarn Post Office on Mauldeth Road and Parrs Wood Post Office on Wilmslow Road are to close.

Responding to the news of the closures, John Leech expressed anger and disbelief, stating that 'it is shameful that Post Office Ltd and the Government have completely disregarded the views of local people and have decided to go ahead with the closures of Ladybarn and Parrs Wood post offices.'

'It is devastating news for the subpostmasters and a real blow for the hundreds of local people who have made representations in the strongest terms possible to the consultation team, and supported the campaign to save the post offices. This decision will hit the most vulnerable the hardest, with the elderly being particularly badly affected. It is yet another blow to them under this government at a time of rocketing bills and increasing fuel poverty.'

Addressing the public consultation, he continued, 'the whole idea of a public consultation should be that it offers a genuine chance for the people who will be affected by a decision to have their say in a constructive debate on the issue. Unfortunately, in this case the consultation has been farcical and one-sided with a real lack of feedback on the part of the consultation team. It appears that there was never any intention to reverse these closures, and that is absolutely appalling.'

<ENDS>

Notes to editors:

1. On July 21st 2008, John Leech MP presented a 1,500 signature-strong petition in Parliament that urged 'the Secretary of State for Business Enterprise and Regulatory Reform to instruct Post Office Ltd. to ensure that post offices in South Manchester, in particular Parrs Wood and Ladybarn Post Offices remain open.'

2. Mr Leech also submitted Early Day Motion 1749 to Parliament:

POST OFFICE CLOSURES IN MANCHESTER

10.06.2008

Leech, John

"That this House condemns the Labour Government's decision to close 2,500 post offices and the recent announcement that 67 post offices across Greater Manchester and High Peak are threatened with closure, including five in Manchester; recognises that local post offices provide a vital service to their communities and play a valuable role in the sustainability of local shops; notes with concern that the Post Office has failed to justify why specific branches have been selected for closure; and calls upon all local people from across the region to campaign against the closures and to lobby the Government to bring the closure programme to a halt."