12th February 2008

See Cllr Martin Whitesides letter to local press. Green MEPs have called for a review of plans to close Post Offices around the country. 

Photo: Whiteshill Post Office already closed 

It is great that David Drew MP is behind saving our local Post Offices but let us not forget the decision to close Post Offices is part of a programme of privatisation of postal services being spearheaded by Labour MEPs at EU level. Indeed just last week Labour MEPs were at the forefront of EU arguments to take the next steps in liberalising postal services.

Greens have called on the Government for an urgent ‘formal review’ of last week’s decision to close Post Offices around the country. The consultation process was deeply flawed: it made no effort to measure the social benefits of the existing network, instead focusing purely on the profitability of individual Post Offices – this accountants’ way of doing business infects every level of public service provision under Labour.

Post Offices play an essential role in society - older people, families and other vulnerable members of the community rely on them as a way of making contact with others and accessing vital services. This decision now means thousands with mobility difficulties will be effectively denied a local Post Office.

Cllr Martin Whiteside
Hillside, Claypits Lane, Thrupp, Stroud
Green Party Parliamentary Candidate for Stroud