Post Office closures
16th October 2007
The Government's proposed closure of the Flixton Road Post Office is a retrograde step in view of the important role that it plays in serving a large residential area to the south of Bungay, some distance away from the town centre Post Office.
Sir
The Government's proposed closure of the Flixton Road Post Office is a retrograde step in view of the important role that it plays in serving a large residential area to the south of Bungay, some distance away from the town centre Post Office. The elderly and the most vulnerable will be hardest hit if this proposal is confirmed. It is regrettable that only 6, rather than the normal 12 weeks is being allowed for consultation.
It is unfortunate that the Government does not have a long term vision for the future of the Post Office network [there have been 4,875 sub-post offices closed since 1997] and does not recognize the fantastic service provided by sub-postmasters to their communities. Under Labour, government departments have taken away services from Post Offices, such as benefit payments, road tax, and TV licences.
Instead of managing decline, the Government should be seeking to bring new business opportunities to Post Offices, such as allowing them to work with other postal service providers, working with local councils so that more council services can be provided and encouraging more flexible use of the Post Office Card Account.
By adopting such an approach, Post Offices such as Flixton Road could continue to provide the vital service that they currently provide for their customers.
Peter Aldous, Conservative Parliamentary Candidate for Waveney, Wissett, Halesworth, Suffolk, IP19 ORA.
