Fight for your post office

COMMUNITIES must pull together to fight for their post office services, the watchdog for branch users has said. Linda McCord, from Postwatch East, said that people living near threatened branches must present a strong case to ensure that even if their loc

COMMUNITIES must pull together to fight for their post office services, the watchdog for branch users has said.

Linda McCord, from Postwatch East, said that people living near threatened branches must present a strong case to ensure that even if their local post office shuts, vital services are not lost.

Ms McCord said: "The consultation period is about people making the needs of their village clear to Post Office Ltd.

"The proposals can change, branches can be saved and increased hours of mobile services can be secured.

"If people want to try and stop their branch from closing they must find clear, practical reasons why closing it will cause problems. That is what Post Office Ltd will listen to."

An example, which was successful in saving a post office in Norfolk, included proving the next nearest branch would not be able to cope with increased customers. Campaigners should also look at available transport links and the practicalities involved.

INFORMATION: The consultation period, which began yesterday, ends on August 26. Responses should be sent to: National Consultation Team, Post Office Ltd, FREEPOST CONSULTATION TEAM. E-mail responses should be sent to: consultation@postoffice.co.uk