Post Office too important to franchise

The place is generally packed out and we dread to imagine what level of congestion and confusion would be created by a reduction in the number of counters, a cut in the amount of space devoted to Post Office services and use of freshly trained, low-paid staff.

On the part of its website promoting "franchise opportunities" Post Office Ltd offers interested parties "a portfolio of over 170 products and services" - an observation which only serves to remind us of the wide range of ways in which we look for help to this important public service.

Unfortunately, the likely outcome is that Jack's appeal will be brushed aside. The "consultation" process agreed between Post Office Ltd and the toothless watchdog "Postwatch" is so thin and rudimentary that it can hardly lay claim to the name.

This is becoming a public service over which the public has little control.

Before we extend our sympathy to Jack for at least trying, however, we do need to ask how we came to be in this position.

Who has allowed Post Office Ltd to become, in its own words, a "profit-driven business?"

Who has allowed it to ride roughshod over public opinion in circumstances such as these?

Who is largely responsible for changes in the way in which "benefits, bills and TV Licences can be paid?"

We cannot excuse the powerlessness of our politicians when it is down to the policies and practices they themselves have devised or acquiesced in. The buck still stops with them.

At the end of the day we do not want our elected representatives to be left "asking" Post Office Ltd to "think again." We want them to take charge of the situation and to bring Post Office Ltd to heel, whilst there is still some sort of Post Office network left to save.

IAN GALLAGHER, Secretary, Blackburn and District Trades Council, Wellington Street St Johns.