More support for our Post Offices campaign

3:44pm Monday 4th February 2008

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CAMPAIGNERS have stepped up their bid to halt Post Office closures after a series of protests.

Hundreds of people have already signed The Lancashire Telegraph's protest petition to save under threat post offices.

A quarter of East Lancashire's post offices are facing the axe but councillors in affected communities said the closures would leave elderly and vulnerable people isolated.

The move to close the post offices comes as the Government seeks to reduce the £4million-a-week it is losing on the Post Office network.

Yesterday Hyndburn Council leader Peter Britcliffe launched a working group to manage all protests in the area.

He said the proposed closures would have a "terrible effect" on many parts of the borough.

The council's own petitions have been made available at all of their buildings in the area.

In Hyndburn four post offices face closure - Huncoat, Great Harwood, Church and Belthorn.

He said: "We are looking at how we can show our feelings about the closures.

"It is something we oppose strongly and the petitions will be available tomorrow. We are asking people to sign the petition.

"We feel battered by the Post Office since the last closures in Oswaldtwistle and Stanhill and enough is enough.

"Post offices are a lifeline for many people and the Government should be doing more to protect them."

Opposition councillor Clare Pritchard backed the campaign.

She said: "I would like the Government to take some action on this.

"Post offices are so vital for the community. These planned closures are being done without the proper consultation and it is important to show we can have our say and make our feelings known."

Across East Lancashire it is proposed to close 24 post offices when consultation ends in five weeks.