Thousands Say "Save Our Post Offices"

12.34.00pm GMT Wed 12th Mar 2008

The Liberal Democrats have today presented a petition of over 50,000 signatures calling on Gordon Brown to reverse his Government's savage Post Office closure programme.

Labour's plans to close 2500 Post Offices will hit communities hard across Britain. The closures come on top of a further 7500 already closed by Labour and Conservative Governments.

West Worcestershire's Parliamentary Candidate, Richard Burt said: "Five Post Offices were lost in West Worcestershire during the last round of closures, and another half dozen are likely to be axed under the current plans.

"That will mean another half dozen villages that will lose their postal services and shop that are such a vital part of village life, particularly for older people and those without private transport."

Speaking outside 10 Downing Street, Liberal Democrat Post Office Spokesperson Sarah Teather MP said: "Gordon Brown and Labour need to listen to the people who have signed this petition. Post office closures mean that many, often the most vulnerable, are denied access to post office services or face long journeys and even longer queues in other Post Offices."

"Post Office closures lead to the loss of other local shops and businesses ripping the heart out of local communities."

"Once again the Labour Government is cutting local services for short-term savings while ignoring the long term damage they cause. This is no way to run a country."

The Liberal Democrats are the only party with a plan to protect and improve Britain's Post Office network.