Davey calls on Post Office Managers to find replacement post office for Tolworth urgently

5.05.00pm UTC (GMT +0000) Mon 29th Jan 2007

Following the surprise closure of Tolworth Broadway Post Office last week, Kingston and Surbiton's MP, Edward Davey has contacted the national managers of Post Office Limited to demand they find a replacement urgently.

Following a call from a resident last Thursday, Edward Davey MP learnt that Tolworth Post Office was to close at 48 hours' notice and a new store Cost Cutters would open within the next few weeks. Post Office Limited - who manage the post office network across the country - were contacted for an explanation and Mr Davey won an assurance that a replacement office for the Tolworth Broadway would be found as soon as possible. Tolworth's MP however said he remains concerned:

"I am making it crystal clear to Post Office Managers that they must make this a priority because the people of Tolworth need a post office right in the heart of the community. It will be tough, especially with Labour promising to close another 2,500 post offices across Britain. So Post Office Limited must start immediately to find someone prepared to take on the risk.

"If we don't get a replacement Tolworth Post Office it could have a drastic impact on the community and local businesses. A recent report by the New Economic Foundation found how closure of a Post Office dramatically affected local businesses so there is no time to lose.

"We had the good news recently of funding to revitalise the Broadway, and our campaign to oppose Tesco's plans that will throttle Tolworth has been receiving national coverage. So just as we are beginning to make progress, the last thing we need is to lose the Broadway's post office permanently. I will be working with local councillors to ensure this does not happen."

Ends

Notes to Editors

Each post office contributes in the region of £310,000 to the local economy each year, of which £120,000 is direct spending on local goods and services. New Economics Foundation Research.

In addition, new economic foundation analysis reveals that each post office saves small businesses in their direct vicinity in the region of £270,000 each year.

Businesses that would like to apply for the position of Tolworth Broadway sub - postmaster please call Post Office limited for an application on 0845 601 6260.