Lib Dems Demand Answers On Post Office Closure

12.00.00pm BST (GMT +0100) Tue 15th Jul 2003

Sarah Teather and local Lib Dem campaigners outside the Gladstone Parade Post Office - the latest to be closed under Labour.

Lib Dem Campaigner Sarah Teather has accused the Post Office of failing local people by pushing on with their planned closure of the Gladstone Parade Post Office despite strong opposition.

Sarah Teather and Brent Liberal Democrats collected hundreds of signatures on the petition which they submitted to the Post Office. However, the Post Office have decided to push ahead with their unpopular closure plan, ignoring local feeling.

Sarah Teather said, "I was horrified to learn that the Post Office are ignoring the clear opposition of local people to this heartless closure. Residents rely on their Post Offices and have understandably made their feelings known – we are still receiving petition returns."

"I call upon the Post Office to publish the results of their consultation. How many people said they wanted this closure? I am sure the results will show that people want Gladstone Parade Post Office to stay open, providing an important range of services to the community."

Locally, the Blackbird Hill Post Office has already closed taking a local shop with it. The last Conservative Government presided over the closure of 4,000 post offices and 3,000 more are threatened under Labour.