LIB DEM CAMPAGINERS TAKE POST OFFICE CAMPAIGN TO DOWNING STREET

12.00.00am GMT Mon 3rd Dec 2007

Kelsie Learney, Martin Tod, Chris Huhne MP and Sandra Gidley MP with Post Office petition outside 10 Downing Street

The final deadline for submitting responses to the Post Office Closure programme consultation for Hampshire & the Isle of Wight finished on November 26. The Liberal Democrats have submitted detailed information to the Post Offices challenging the closures and presented a local petition to 10 Downing Street at 11.30 a.m. last Thursday.

Martin Tod, Parliamentary Candidate for Winchester, was part of the delegation which included Chris Huhne MP, Sandra Gidley MP and Winchester City Councillor Kelsie Learney:

"There's been a tremendous amount of detailed work challenging these closures - but that mustn't let us lose sight of the fact that ultimately these closures stem from a decision made by the Government. Gordon Brown is the only person who can reverse the decision to close 2,500 post offices. Post Office Management are just administering a government decision. That's why we're presenting the petition in Downing Street. Post Offices are a vital lifeline in areas like ours, especially for pensioners and people who don't have easy access to transport. Very often in rural areas they are the last shop in the village and their closure will be a disaster."

Sandra Gidley MP said:

"Post Offices are at the hub of the community and provide a vital service for local constituents; the response to the 'Save our Post Offices' petition is a perfect example of the importance of local Post Offices to residents.

"In presenting this petition at Downing Street, the Lib Dems are hoping that the government will wake up and realise the negative impact these closures will have on the livelihood of many local businesses, not to mention the elderly and vulnerable people in the community who will have to travel further afield to collect benefits or pensions."

Chris Huhne MP said:

"The Government seriously underestimates the importance of local post offices to our communities. Instead of closures, we have set out a clear alternative based on more services sold through post offices, and support for investment and modernisation. We must persuade ministers to think again."