POST OFFICES FACING THE AXE COULD BE SAVED BY LOCAL COUNCILS

Council leaders have said that post offices that are facing the axe could be prevented from closure with the help of local councils and have told the Post Office that local people must be consulted properly over the closure of post offices across the country.

Many councils are already involved in providing post office services, working in partnership with local businesses and community organisations. Highlighted below are some examples of the successful approaches being taken:

- West Berkshire Council worked with the landlord of the Ibex Inn in Chaddlesworth to set up a Post Office counter in his pub after the village shop and Post Office branch closed

- Cumbria Council has pioneered alternative models of delivering post office services, such as combining the Post Office with a shop and a library 'link' in Melmerby

- In order to preserve the valuable service provided to rural communities in Sheepy Magna in Leicestershire, the Post Office is now situated in the Parish church

The call for greater consultation follows a letter from the LGA and London Councils to the Managing Director of the Post Office, Alan Cook, after a number of councils raised serious concerns that the Post Office is failing to share information on closure plans with the council in advance of the six week consultation period.

In the letter, the LGA has asked for more information regarding:

The anticipated impact on local economies.
 
The availability of local transport to the next closest post office branch
What measures would be put in place to protect vulnerable people from suffering from the closure.

The future population growth around post offices outlined for closure
Chair of the Local Government Association Regeneration Board, Cllr David Sparks, said:

"For many people, the Post Office is the lifeblood of the high street, and the role post offices play in helping people who conduct their financial affairs in cash is vital. This low level financial advice service plays an important role in helping some of the most vulnerable people in society.

"Councils have long battled against the closure of post offices, working with local residents to find new, fresh and innovative ways to make sure that post office counter services are not lost to people who live in rural or disadvantaged areas.

"Councils are committed to creating places where people can thrive. If the Post Office decides that a branch should be considered for closure then it is only right that local people and local councils are given the facts. 

"Without specific information it is impossible for local people to know whether any proposed closure will be damaging for the local economy or vulnerable people who rely on post office services. The Post Office must ensure that it works closely with councils to ensure that decisions are made in the best interest of the people the post office network serves ".