WEIR MAKES SUBMISSION TO POST OFFICE CONSULTATION

REBALANCING OF WHOLE NETWORK NECESSARY

Mike Weir MP, has highlighted the importance of post offices to the rural communities in a submission to the Consultation on the Future of the Post Office Network being carried out by the Department of Trade and Industry.

In his submission Mr Weir raises serious concerns about the way previous programmes of closures have operated, the lack of detail in the government’s latest proposal and called for an overall rebalancing of the network.

Mr Weir said of the submission:

“I am not confident that the consultation paper gives enough reassurance or information on how communities will be properly served by the Post Office network and fear there will be great damager to the network from the closures proposed under the scheme.

“I believe that all communities must be served by the Post Office network, regardless of location, and that the consultation should be focused on how to deliver post office services along with other public and government services.

“To improve the network, we have to investigate each local post office on a case by case basis and determine how improvements can be made to the delivery and efficiency of the service provided.  We believe that the current proposals are geared towards further closures rather than to the development of a joined up service.  Under the previous scheme there was no over view of what was happening which led to inappropriate closure and imbalance in the network.  What is needed now is a proper review of the network that may mean offices opening in some areas.  Instead the government seem to be concentrating simply on more closures.

“The Government’s strategy fails to address the problems facing rural and deprived areas.  The strategy does not adequately focus on the needs of communities affected and concentrates on losses suffered by the Post Office network.

“What the government has overlooked is the environmental implications of continued closures within the post office network and the related effects.  A programme of post office closures that will increase the distance to be driven to a post office is contradictory at a time when the authorities are attempting to encourage a reduction in car use.  If rural services, such as post offices, are not delivered close to those using them, there will be a continued use of the private car by rural residents. 

“There has already been great centralisation of services into larger towns and settlements and in many areas, the post office remains the last local service available.  In addition, it is also often associated with a shop, garage, or other business.  If the post office closes then the other parts of the business are unlikely to survive. 

“Joined-up government should mean that the future delivery of post office services should be planned in co-operation with other public organisations with the objective of grouping public services together under the same roof.  This will increase co-operation in the delivery of public services and safeguard the availability of services. 

“Any closure programme will particularly hit the old and those on benefits who will be faced with travelling to town or using a cash machine, many of which are now charging, taking a significant slice of a low income.

“This is also particularly acute due to the poor levels of public transport available in rural areas.

“I hope that our submission along with countless others, will make the government see sense and ensure that our post offices are protected.”