Post Office Closure Programme Steams Ahead

Following yesterday’s publication by the Post Office of its plans for the future of the Post Office network across South Essex, Stephen Metcalfe, Prospective Conservative MP for South Basildon & East Thurrock, has welcomed the fact that no Post Office closures are proposed in the South Basildon & East Thurrock Constituency.

Stephen said: “Post Offices form a vital part of our local community, and I am delighted that the network in South Basildon & East Thurrock will remain in tact. However, I do feel for those communities in Thurrock, Southend and Castle Point that will be affected by these proposals. The cuts will hit the most vulnerable and the elderly the hardest. Labour Ministers need to recognise that if the local Post Office closes, often other vital services are also lost.”

He continued: “I believe the time has now come for the Government to step in and preserve what is left of the network. At present, we have the absurd spectacle of Labour Ministers and Members of Parliament campaigning up and down the country in their own constituencies to keep their local Post Offices open while voting in favour of the closures in Parliament.”

“Everyone can see through this hypocrisy; let’s have some honesty from this tired and discredited Government. If they, like me, believe Post Offices are an important part of our community then someone should tell the Prime Minister it’s time for action not more dithering and indecision. Come on Mr Brown: Save Our Post Offices!”