Politicians unite over Post Office closures

12:25pm Thursday 28th February 2008

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POLITICAL opponents have come together to condemn Government plans to close 56 post offices across Lancashire.

Labour, Conservative and Liberal Democrat members of Lancashire County Council have slammed proposals that could have a devastating effect on a raft of communities.

In East Lancashire alone, 24 post offices face the axe as the Government seeks to stave off losses of £4million per week on the network.

County councillors have pledged to contact their respective MPs and central government representatives to raise their concerns and urge the government to reconsider.

Labour's County Coun Tony Martin, who lives in Burnley, said: "I have already written to Kitty Ussher, Burnley's MP, saying she should put whatever pressure she can on the Post Office to stop these additional closures.

"Lancashire and Burnley both suffered cuts in the last round, and it's alright for the Post Office to say there is another one less than 3 miles away, but it's difficult if your a pensioner on a low income to afford the bus fare there and back, even if there is a bus."

The comments were made following a recent full council meeting where councillors from the three parties signed a Notice of Motion declaring their opposition to the proposed cuts.

The motion stated: "This county council strongly objects to the proposals for the closures of Post Offices in Lancashire which are much valued by local communities."