Stephen Williams MP backs Post Office protest
February 21, 2007 3:06 PM
Stephen Williams MP (Lib Dem, Bristol West) has been lobbied after a national rally at Westminster Central Hall against post office closures. He met with Valerie Bishop, chair of the Henleaze Society and a member of the National Townswomen's Guild. "The Future of our Post Offices" rally was against the potential closure of up to 2500 post offices that Labour have branded 'economically unviable'. It took place as part of National Post Office week, aimed at highlighting the decline of the post office network under Labour and the possibility of future closures.
"This government, and the previous Conservative administration before it, have overseen the closure of over 7000 branches, but this decline has been accelerated over the past few years. As a result the post office network is in a critical state and is in dire need of investment and modernisation"
"This is not just a rural issue, as in Bristol West we have seen the closure of many of our local post offices including my own at St Michael's Hill and the post office on Stoke Lane in Westbury-on-Trym - despite a high profile campaign by local residents. This will mean that many people, some of whom may suffer with mobility problems, will have to travel even further to draw their benefits. The same could be said for any area".
"The strength of today's rally, and the support for National Post Office week across the country, shows how seriously people feel threatened by the government's plans".
"However the decision by the Department of Work and Pensions not to renew its contract with the Post Office beyond 2010 sadly demonstrates that the government is choosing to abandon the Post Office network rather than help it".
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