Anger over 'sham' post office consultation

2:53pm Wednesday 2nd April 2008

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CAMPAIGNERS who fought plans to shut 24 East Lancashire post offices have spoken of their anger after learning their efforts were in vain.

Disgruntled residents hit out at those behind the six week consultation after it was announced on Tuesday that all the East Lancashire branches earmarked for closure would be shutting for good.

Community leaders in Chipping said the consultation process was a "sham" and showed Post Office chiefs were never willing to listen to their concerns.

Under new proposals the post office, which is currently housed in the village store in Talbot Street, could be replaced by a reduced hours 'outreach' service from the same site.

Chipping Parish Council chairman, Graham Wilk-inson, said: "After receiving hundreds of letters it just shows that the whole process has been a sham.

"They have not taken any notice of people's concerns and I don't think they care about the distress they have caused.

"We will now get an eight-hour service instead of the 25 hours we are used to."

County Coun Doreen Pollitt, deputy leader of Lancashire County Council, said they would be looking to see if they could do anything to help local communities.

She added: "We will consider the impacts of any closures, look at what county council facilities exist in those areas and consider how these could work together to benefit the community."

Darwen MP Janet Anderson said she will continue the fight to keep Sunnyhurst Post Office open despite the decision.

Mrs Anderson believes the Post Office had not accurately reviewed the branch in Sunnyhurst, after receiving the Area Plan Decision Booklet.

In it, Darwen is cited as a village, and the nearest alternative branch is said to have longer opening hours.

She said: "We have to challenge it. They have got the facts wrong."