Council steps up campaign against post office closures

South Norfolk councillors have stepped up the wider campaign to save town and village post offices from closure.

On Monday night, managers and staff from 16 out of South Norfolk's 40 post offices met South Norfolk Council Leader John Fuller and Cllr Michael Windridge, Cabinet Member for Tourism, Heritage, Enterprise and Culture.

They were joined by representatives from Postwatch, the independent watchdog for postal services.

The two-hour meeting came on the same day that Norfolk County Council announced it had approved a united, cross-party motion mobilising support for the post office campaign among all Norfolk MPs.

At the meeting, representatives from the post offices agreed to support the council's survey about their customers and services.

That will now help the council draw together its strong case for saving post offices from the axe.

Councillor John Fuller said:

"Our Post Offices need help and South Norfolk Council wants to give it. That's why we called this meeting to find out how we could help resist these closures and help our post office attract more business.

"We have now agreed a plan of action, and will have a further meeting in a few week's time - well in advance of the Goverment's consultation.

"We want to be ready to fight when the review starts in January. That is what our post masters and mistresses expect, and we hope local residents will thank us for the effective action we are taking to try to save these local services at the heart of our community."

Council Michael Windridge said:

"Our concern is the impact any closures will have on our communities, and in particular, our most vulnerable residents such as older people and people with disabilities.

"For our most vulnerable residents, the local post office is their main point of daily social contact, as well as using the services provided.

"So we are asking post offices to help with our survey of their customers and the services those customers use. That will help us build a picture of those most likely to be affected by closures, and boost our campaign."

South Norfolk Council is working in partnership with the County Council and other district councils to prepare a robust and co-ordinated response to the closure plans.

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