Government announcement no comfort to Kirkintilloch Post Office users

6.16.00pm BST (GMT +0100) Thu 17th May 2007

The Government's plans involve the closure of 2,500 post offices

The Government has failed to provide reassurances to staff and customers over the future of Kirkintilloch Post Office, Jo Swinson has said.

Following a consultation on the future of the UK's post office network, Trade and Industry Secretary Alastair Darling announced plans today to press ahead with a programme of 2,500 post office closures.

It was announced last month that Kirkintilloch Post Office was to be among 70 post offices relocating to WH Smith stores.

Commenting on today's announcement, Jo said:

"During his statement to the House of Commons, I challenged the Secretary of State over the specific case of Kirkintilloch post office, recounting the situation faced by residents in Bishopbriggs after Morrisons pulled the plug on the Post Office there. He was unable to give any reassurance that Kirkintilloch Post Office will be any more secure with WH Smith than Bishopbriggs post office was with Morrisons.

"The plans announced by the Government today leave staff and customers of Kirkintilloch post office facing an uncertain future."

Jo also accused the Government of failing to listen to its own consultation on post offices, saying:

"These plans show that the Government has failed to listen to the warnings contained in the consultation.

"The Liberal Democrats have a plan to free up £2billion for the Post Office and rebuild a fully functioning network.

"However, the Government has refused to listen. Their plan is designed to save money and has nothing to do with meeting the long-term needs of people who rely on post offices for essential services."

Related Links:

WHSmith press release

Post Office

Royal Mail

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