MP condemns post office closure consultation programme

South Norfolk MP Richard Bacon has condemned the Government's six-week consultation programme on threatened post office closures.

And he called for it to be extended, as he launched South Norfolk Council's campaign to support local post offices.

He also urged campaigners to lobby Parliament directly, saying that MPs backed their fight.

He said:

"I hope you will descend on Parliament in large numbers, because you can rest assured, MPs are right behind you."

He condemned the six-week consultation saying it was not enough to even develop potential alternatives to closure, saying:

"Why only six weeks for consultation to come up with innovative alternatives? We will be pressing the Government to extend the consultation period."

And he added:

"A post office in a rural area like ours is different in degree and kind from one in an urban area where there are alternatives like drop-in centres and cafes. These don’t exist in the same way in rural areas.

"At the very time when we are concerned about community cohesion and social breakdown, and the glue that holds our society together, I wish the Government would listen harder."

Councillor Michael Windridge, South Norfolk Cabinet Member for Tourism, Heritage, Enterprise and Culture thanked the MP for his continuing support for what has become one of the most high profile campaigns in the county.

And he revealed that South Norfolk Council now had a date for its crunch meeting with Post Office Ltd - it will be March 10.

He said:

"We will use the opportunity of our meeting with Post Office Ltd to tell them in no uncertain terms just what a critical role post offices play in sustaining the life of rural communities and in looking after the more vulnerable members of our society.

"What is also of great concern is the domino effect closures are going to have on the viability of local shops in which the post office plays an integral part."

The subpostmasters and subpostmistresses who attended the launch event will now help the campaign step up a gear, and have returned to their businesses and communities armed with posters and campaign materials, to spread the word.

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