North Somerset Lib Dem News
return to headline pagePost Office Closure Press Release - North Somerset Council
Release: Immediate
May 15, 2008
COUNCIL CHALLENGES POST OFFICE OVER PROPOSED CLOSURES
North Somerset Council has confirmed its opposition to the proposed Post Office closures in the district.
The council's deputy leader, Cllr Elfan Ap Rees, has written to Post Office Ltd requesting a meeting with a representative of the Post Office or Postwatch to explain why the eight branches proposed for closure have been selected.
Cllr Ap Rees has questioned Post Office Ltd on whether they have taken into account the council's regeneration and development plans. He has asked how they propose to meet future demand for Post Office services in relation to the planned development across the district, particularly the proposals for the continuing growth at Weston-super-Mare.
He has also questioned the branch access report which places several of the Weston branches proposed for closure on a par with other Post Offices which are to be retained.
The deputy leader has also highlighted that a number of the branches under threat operate within areas that fall within the top 1, 3, 5 and 10% most disadvantaged urban areas in the country. He has reminded Post Office Ltd that provision in these areas is meant to be a minimum access requirement.
"At the present time we are not looking to adopt the Essex model as there would be a lack of compatibility with our own outreach services, resulting in considerable cost," said Cllr Ap Rees. "We understand the Essex approach is still not confirmed and, at present, is suggested as an option being more fully costed before the county council confirms its extent of intervention."
ENDS
For further information contact Richard Turner on 01934 634 995.
Richard Turner
Marketing and Communications Officer
North Somerset Council
Tel: (01934) 634995
Fax: (01934) 634664
Email: richard.turner@n-somerset.gov.uk