MULHOLLAND SLAMS DECISION TO CLOSE THREE LOCAL POST OFFICES

4.12.00pm BST (GMT +0100) Mon 14th Jul 2008

Greg Mulholland MP for Leeds North West today slammed the decision to close Far Headingley, Bramhope and Weston Lane Post Offices.

Greg led the local campaigns against each of the closures. He organised three public meetings for local residents to express their views against closures. Greg also organised a community petition opposing the closures which he and community campaigners presented to 10 Downing Street, Royal Mail and also to Parliament.

Greg also worked with community groups and local businesses to oppose the closure and took the fight to Parliament by laying down a motion against the closures.

The Post Office announced each of the Post Offices faced the axe in early May when they announced a six week consultation process at the end of which a decision would be made on whether or not to keep the Post Offices open. It is this final decision that has now been confirmed with the three local Post Offices now being closed for good.

Greg added "Each local community spoke with one voice against the closure of their local Post Office and their voice has been ignored. Each Post Office had very good reasons to be kept open and these points were made to the Post Office. The fact that these points were ignored and the Post Offices are still to be closed show what a sham the consultation process really was.

It is a disgrace that the people of Far Headingley and Bramhope will be left without a Post Office and the whole of Otley with only one. Many people, often the most vulnerable in our society are reliant, on their Post Office, so it is a disgrace that these residents will be left without a Post Office.

I will continue to urge the Government and Post Office Ltd to reconsider their decision and keep this vital local service open."

ENDS