Jo calls for Kirkintilloch Post Office debate

4.19.40pm BST (GMT +0100) Thu 14th Jun 2007

There are fears for the future of Kirkintilloch Post Office

Jo Swinson has called for a debate in Parliament on the future of Kirkintilloch Post Office.

Kirkintilloch Post Office is one of 70 Crown Post Offices affected by Government proposals for their relocation to WH Smith stores.

Jo will also meet with Post Office representatives today for talks over the proposed move, and will visit Kirkintilloch Post Office next Friday (22nd June).

Speaking in the House of Commons today, Jo asked Leader of the House Jack Straw MP:

"Can we have a debate on the relocation of 70 Crown Post Offices to branches of WH Smith? Consultation has started on the proposals in my constituency for the Kirkintilloch Post Office move, and no doubt this is the case in other areas as well.

"Given this issue is causing a great deal of concern, is it not time we had a debate in this House, specifically on this major change to the Post Office network?"

Commenting later, she said:

"The WH Smith relocation proposals have caused real concern among the staff and customers of the affected Post Offices, Kirkintilloch included. The Government should make time for these concerns to be properly voiced in a debate in Parliament.

"I am making very clear to Post Office representatives my opposition to this move.

"There are strong fears that we could see a recurrence of the Bishopbriggs situation, when the Post Office was nearly lost after Morrisons withdrew support. If WH Smith is given sole responsibility for future of Kirkintilloch Post Office, there is always a danger of history repeating."

Related Links:

Jo Swinson - Post Office campaigner

Lib Dems - Save Our Post Offices

Post Office