WEIR CONDEMNS POST OFFICE CLOSURE PLANS

ANGUS PLAN TO BE PUBLISHED IN APRIL 

Speaking in support of a motion at the SNP’s annual conference in Aviemore Angus MP Mike Weir has roundly condemned the effects of the current Post Office closure plan.

“The current problems of the post office network are a direct result of the policies of the UK government, particularly the removal of benefit and pension payments, which took away 40% of business from local offices.”

“We now have the sight of Glasgow Labour MPs running about like headless chickens condemning the cuts to be imposed in the first area plan. I have to say to them that this did not drop from outer space, it was all spelt out in the government’s own proposals presented to the House of Commons in May. Clearly they were not listening at that time.”

Mr Weir added that the area plans would be rolled out over the next year, with the one covering the Angus area due in April.

“The consultation period proposed is ludicrously short. Local communities will only have six weeks after the proposals are made public to consider them, mobilise and fight any campaign to save their local services. That is totally inadequate given the importance of post offices to very many local communities.”

“I would urge all local communities to look now at their services and begin to make their voices heard by contacting the post office before the proposals are made to ensure that their views are heard loud and clear. By the time they see the post office proposals it may well be too late.”