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5th March 2008
Burnley MP Kitty Ussher has today released her formal response to the Post Office consultation going on in Burnley based on what people have said during her massive consultation in the affected areas. A detailed analysis of the results of the consultation is attached.
Under plans released in January by Post Office Ltd 5 local Post Offices were recommended for closure due to the Royal Mail restructuring the Post Office network. The Government subsidies the Post Office with £1.2 billion of public funds but because of changing lifestyles many branches are unprofitable.
When plans were announced Kitty mailed over 10,000 people in the affected areas with a survey. She has received an overwhelming response and has used the information she has collected to formulate and back up her response to the plans. She also helped collect 1000 names on a petition in Hapton and has included a petition of over 200 names collected by the Cheapside Padiham Road sub postmaster.
Kitty also held a meeting with Post Office bosses. One immediate bonus was Kitty encouraged the Post office to reopen Cog Lane Post Office as it was missed off the consultation exercise.
Kitty’s main responses in the affected areas were:
Opposing the Hapton closure due to overwhelming public opposition, flaws in the consultation document regarding public transport and the affect on Hapton village life
Voicing severe concerns about the Parliament Street closure due to the lack of public transport, the impact on the area of regeneration and the lack of forward planning by the Post Office for when the area has been regenerated.
Stating deep concerns about the proposals for Piccadilly Road Post office due to the regeneration of the area and the impact on customers already affected by the possible closure of Cog Lane Post Office
Stating concerns over the closure of Cheapside, Padiham Road branch because of the possible loss of retail provision in the area and impact on vulnerable customers.
Voicing concerns over the closure of Walk Mill Post Office on the village life of Cliviger and the lack of public transport to alternative Post Offices.
Highlighting the need to reopen Cog Lane Post Office
Stating that the Post Office should reconsider all closure plans until all outstanding issues are resolved or taken into account.
A copy of the response was also sent to Postwatch, the independent customer protection body who will further help pursue any flaws in the Post Office’s proposals.
Kitty Ussher MP said,
“I believe it is vital that local resident’s views are heard and constituents in every affected area have voiced concerns about Post Office closures. I have constantly said I will fight to ensure that communities have the Post Office provision they want and that I had the facts to back up any representations I made.”
“I would like to thank all those who have returned my survey or signed petitions, their information has been vital in making sure my response was backed up by facts on the ground.”
“I believe we have put forward strong reasons to maintain services in Hapton and shown deep concerns in other areas were the Post Office may not have been aware of the full facts. That is why I believe they should at least review the decisions they have made before any long lasting action is taken. I am also hopeful that Cog Lane Post office can reopen successfully. UI will wait to see what Post office bosses say in response before deciding how we can take this fight forward”
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