CAMPAIGN LAUNCHED TO SAVE LOCAL POST OFFICES

12.00.00am GMT Mon 3rd Mar 2008

Sandy Walkington launches a district-wide campaign against any more closures of local post offices

Sandy Walkington has launched a district-wide campaign against any more closures of local post offices. Petition forms will be delivered by Liberal Democrats to every home in the St Albans and Harpenden district, and they will also be out in the street collecting signatures.

"The consultation on the closure of yet more post office branches in Hertfordshire begins in May - after the local elections. Documents leaked in other parts of the country show that the Labour Government has asked for the consultation to be delayed until then. What have they got to hide?", Sandy asked.

"All we know is that nationwide 2,500 branches are slated for closure on top of the 4,000 branches already closed by this Government. Ten post office branches have already been closed across the District since 1997," Sandy added. "The roll of dishonour includes Abbey Avenue, Whitecroft, Stanhope Road, Beaconsfield Road, Hatfield Road, and High Oaks. Now the question is which branches will be next for the chop?"

"There are many people who do not have access to the internet and do not have transport - they need access to post offices in their community with all the advantages they bring of being local centres of activity. Where post offices close, other neighbouring shops lose business and come under further pressure,"

"We know from recent history that there is never a final round of closures. They just go on salami-slicing the network. The Conservatives are no less guilty in this area. When they were in power they started the rot by closing 3,500 post office branches."

"Only the Liberal Democrats have a costed policy (endorsed by a former Post Office Chairman) which would include investing £2 billion in the post office network and expanding their role to be sure they remain a hub of local communities. We have to keep on fighting back against the faceless bureaucrats who are creating a faceless Britain," Sandy concluded.