Flood Of Postcards Support Post Office Campaigns (West Worcestershire Liberal Democrats)

West Worcestershire Liberal Democrats <contact.us@westworcslibdems.org.uk>

Flood Of Postcards Support Post Office Campaigns

September 15, 2008 4:22 PM

Richard Burt and Rushwick Parish Council Chairman John Dixon present petitions to save Rushwick Post Office to Gary Grange from the Post Office and Jenny Hepworth from PostWatch.

Richard Burt (second from right) and Rushwick Parish Council Chairman John Dixon (second from left) present petitions to save Rushwick Post Office to Gary Grange (left) from the Post Office and Jenny Hepworth (right) from PostWatch.

Local Liberal Democrat parliamentary candidate, Richard Burt has received hundreds of postcards with messages opposing plans to close local post offices.

Mr Burt and his Lib Dem colleagues distributed the post cards, bearing a colour photo of each post office to surrounding homes immediately after the closure plans were announced. Customers have also been able to pick up a postcard from the counter to register support for their local branch.

Richard said: "There has been overwhelming support from the public for our local post offices, with hundreds of messages arriving through my letterbox. I would like to thank everyone who has responded so far and assure residents that I will pass on each message to the head of the consultation team, Mark Partington.

"It's quite clear that people value this service very highly and don't want to lose it.

"People have also been busy signing petitions on the counter and I know that over 1000 signatures have already been collected at Link Top, with very strong support from customers for the Poolbrook petition too.

"Both these post offices are profitable and provide a vital service to the local community and local businesses.

"Older and less mobile people will be stranded if their local branch closes. They can have their money paid into a bank account, but they can't get the cash in their hand to spend it on food and other essentials without travelling.

"Customers have been telling me of all the help and kindness shown by staff, giving advice and helping to fill in forms. All that will be lost. Why on earth would government want to force their closure?"