Tuesday, July 03, 2007

Liberal Democrats press MP on Post Office closures

LIBERAL Democrats in Gateshead have written to Labour MP for Tyne Bridge, David Clelland, asking him if he will fight Post Office closures in his constituency.

The Government has called for the closure of 2500 branches throughout the UK and lists of those to close are currently being drawn up. If the Government’s plans go through, it will mean the axing of one in five Post Offices.

Leader of the Dunston and Teams Liberal Democrat Focus Team, Michael Ruddy, has written to Mr Clelland to raise the concerns of local residents about Labour’s decision to close a fifth of all Post Offices.

In his letter, Mr Ruddy wrote, “As you will be aware, the proposals to close a further 2,500 post offices are of concern to many people. Also the limited period of consultation that takes place when a closure is proposed means that people have to respond very quickly when to fight closure of any particular post office when it is proposed.

“With this in mind, could you please advise me if you will be opposing any further post office closures if any are proposed within the Gateshead part of your constituency?”

After sending the letter, Mr Ruddy said, “Post Offices are vital to communities and it is very worrying that Labour are planning to close so many.

“Labour shut down 5 branches in their last round of closures three years ago. Now they are back again with the axe.

“Though it is Labour policy to close so many Post Offices, we are at least hoping that Mr Clelland will oppose his party’s plans and back local branches to keep them open.”

2 comments:

George Dutton said...

"LIBERAL Democrats in Gateshead have written to Labour MP for Tyne Bridge, David Clelland, asking him if he will fight Post Office closures in his constituency."

It should be remembered that David Clelland MP has supported NEW Labours post office closures in his constituency in the past, as his voting record will prove.

Anonymous said...

And what do you think Clelland's reply will be to Michael Ruddy's (alleged) letter (since it was probably written by Jonathan)?