Libraries to save our doomed post offices?

by Hammersmith and Fulham Press Office
11/03/2008

SIX local post offices are facing the axe unless the Post Office agrees to move its counters into council buildings.

Council officials are holding showdown talks with the Post Office to protest against the closures, and have suggested that civic buildings, like libraries, could be suitable venues for Post Office counters.

The six doomed branches are part of a national closure programme which will see more than 2,500 branches closed across Britain. The Post Office launched a consultation on the closures last month but council leaders and many residents suspect the process is just a rubber-stamping exercise and that the Post Office has already made up its mind to wield the axe.

Councillor Paul Bristow, Cabinet Member for Residents’ Services, is leading the protest against closures in the borough. He said, “The Post Office bosses in their ivory tower are ripping the heart out of our neighbourhoods.

“We are fighting these closures tooth and nail. We oppose all six closures and are trying to find innovative solutions to help the Post Office get out of the mess they have created.”

The consultation was launched as the council learned of a seventh shutdown, not mentioned in the Post Office’s official bumf. The Costcutter local supermarket on the junction of Hammersmith Roadand North End Roadclosed earlier this month meaning the Post Office counter inside also bit the dust. The closure means an entire Londonpostcode has been left without a single Post Office for the first time since the capital was split into districts in 1857.

Cllr Paul Bristow, continues, “Enough is enough. Asking residents whether they would like to lose six out of 20 Post Offices is like asking someone whether they want to lose a limb.

“Many local people, particularly our elderly and more vulnerable residents, rely on their local Post Office branch, not just for errands, but as a vital community hub. Many residents will feel helpless if these closures go through.

“The Post Office has a duty to provide a service in the W14 area and we are demanding that they re-open the Olympiabranch in Blythe Roadas soon as possible,” added Cllr Bristow.

Residents affected by the Post Office closures are invited to the council’s protest meeting at 7.00pmin Hammersmith Town Hallon Wednesday 19 March. If you are interested in attending the meeting please call Nikki Hambry on 020 8753 1579 or email nikki.hambry@lbhf.gov.uk.

Sign the Post Office closure protest petition at your local library or at the public meeting.

You can also have your say by clicking on www.lbhf.gov.uk/postofficeclosures.