WEIR JOINS NEW ALL-PARTY GROUP

ON RURAL SERVICES

Angus MP, Mike Weir, is a founder member of a new, cross-party parliamentary group on rural services.

The All-Party Group on Rural Services is an initiative of over 70 members of both House of Parliament looking to raise the political profile of key rural services issues, such as post offices, village schools and community hospitals.

At its first meeting, the group identified a series of issues it wished to address as part of its work programme.  These include: fuel poverty, bank and banking services, policing and affordable housing.

Commenting Mr Weir said:

“I am delighted to lend my support to the All Party Group on Rural Service.  It will provide a strong basis upon which to campaign on issues affecting everyone in Angus.

“Although many of the issues that affect Angus are devolved to the Scottish Parliament there are other matters, such as, the future of the Post Office network, that remain reserved to Westminster.

“This group formation comes at a crucial time for the countryside, with hot topics, such as the future of postal services, rural schools, and hospitals and transport all high on the agenda.

“We will not be a talking shop, but a group with a clear commitment to produce recommendations on the issues that count in rural communities and I have emphasised of the importance to liaise with similar groups in the Scottish Parliament and other devolved administrations in order to campaign effectively for all rural communities.”

The group will, as a first step, inquire into and produce a report on the future of rural post offices, to include positive recommendations for their future role.  The Group will hear evidence from Alan Cook, the Managing Director of Post Office Ltd, at its next meeting on 8^th March 2007.