New Wave of Post Office Closures Feared

1.29.00pm UTC (GMT +0000) Mon 21st May 2007

Following the announcement by the Government of big cuts in the Post Office network, local MPs have warned that there are bound to be more local closures. There are to be 2,500 closures (out of 14,000 branches) across Britain, about half in urban areas. Vincent Cable MP said: "On the Twickenham side we have lost 6 of our 18 post offices in the last few years, despite strong local protests, and areas like Hampton are now very badly served. We are going to have to get ready for a new fight since I expect some the closures will affect out area."

The Post Office has been steadily losing customers and money as pension payments have been switched to banks, driving licences are bought online and Post Office Counters have been too slow to pick up new business opportunities. The Government is withdrawing subsidy and is no longer willing to reserve business - like TV licences - for the Post Office.

Vincent Cable said: "Post Offices are more than just another retail outlet. They are the centre of some local shopping centres and many pensioners and less mobile residents depend on having easy access to them. The Post Office promises that any closures will be discussed with local residents and, as the local MP, I will be informed in the next few weeks of what is planned. Past experiences have made me somewhat cynical about Post Office consultation, but we have to fight our corner."