CALL FOR COUNCIL TO TAKE STAND AGAINST POST OFFICE CLOSURES (Kirklees Liberal Democrats)

Kirklees Liberal Democrats <info@kirkleeslibdems.org.uk>

CALL FOR COUNCIL TO TAKE STAND AGAINST POST OFFICE CLOSURES

March 11, 2008 6:14 PM

Government plans to close 2,500 post offices will be the subject of a debate by Kirklees Council. Councillor Nicola Turner (Lib Dem, Colne Valley ward) has submitted a motion opposing any future post office closures in the local area.

Lib Dem Cllrs call for Council to stand against Post Office closures

The motion, if supported by Councillors on March 19th, will ask the Chief Executive of the Council to write to the government to oppose any proposals to close local post offices.

The government has plans to shut 2,500 post offices across the country. An announcement will be made in May 2008 about which post offices, if any, will be earmarked for closure in the Kirklees area. Closures are decided on a parliamentary constituency basis. Wakefield, Colne Valley, Batley & Spen, Dewsbury and Huddersfield constituencies are all awaiting announcements.

Cllr Turner (Colne Valley Ward) said: "I am hoping the Council will back my motion opposing any plans to close local post offices.

"Although we don't know yet which branches might be at risk, I think it is important to state that we believe post offices are a vital service and deserve our protection.

"I know that in other parts of the country large numbers of branches have shut. If closures are applied on a proportional basis we could see in the region of 17 branches closed. I hope we can send a message to the government and Post Office Counters Limited that here in Kirklees we want our branches to stay open for the benefit of local residents."