Hughes To Quiz Ministers On 214 Proposed London Post Office Closures

10.31.35am GMT Thu 26th Feb 2004

Liberal Democrat London Mayoral candidate Simon Hughes MP will today (Thursday 26th February 2004) quiz Ministers on future closures of London Post Offices as he produced new figures that show the Post Office Ltd have revealed 214 plans for closure so far - more than six per Borough.

Mr Hughes will probe the DTI on the number of Post Offices that have already been closed in London and what plans there are to close more Post Offices in the next 3 years. The Post Office has promised to shut down 3,000 urban branches by October 2005.

Simon Hughes said:- "The Post Office closure programme was meant to be open to consultation and accountability. Yet, so far we have seen unstructured, and unplanned closures of post offices across London that have left some of the most vulnerable in society struggling to find somewhere to claim their benefits."

"While it is realistic to accept that some post offices may have to close, I deplore the piecemeal process Post Office Ltd has been using up till now for its closures. Just how many more closures the Post Office plan across London is something we must find out so local people can voice their concerns in any consultation."

"Londoners that have had to so far endure the so-called consultation process have been left with the strong impression that the Post Office Ltd is paying lip service to local people's views and just going through the motions when it comes to closing post offices."

ENDS

Notes to editor

Mr Hughes has question 1 of DTI questions on Thursday 26th February 2004 which he will be asking:-

Simon Hughes (North Southwark & Bermondsey):How many post offices in Greater London closed in each year from 1997 to 2003; and how many she expects to close in (a) 2004 and (b) each of the next two years.

• According to new figures released by Postwatch to Simon Hughes, they reveal the extent of the proposed plans that the Post Office Ltd have so far to close London Post Offices

No. in Public Consultation 30.

No out of Public Consultation but decision not made 7.

Post Determination (post offices they propose to close but Postwatch are opposing) 31.

Closed Cases 134.

Withdrawn 12.

Total Plans 214.