Public meeting to discuss PO closure plans

Jun 6 2008

PETE Wishart is hoping people power throws under-threat local Post Offices a late lifeline.

The Perth and North Perthshire MP has been fighting proposals to make substantial cuts to the network for more than two years.

When the list of proposed victims emerged last week – including Bridgend, Cherrybank and Garth Avenue – he called for a public meeting with Post Office management to register the strength of feeling locally.

Yesterday, Mr Wishart revealed he was holding a public meeting at his 9 York Place constituency office on Thursday, June 12 at 7.30pm.

And he’s urging concerned constituents and users of the Post Office network to take in the head-to-head with Royal Mail representatives.

Mr Wishart said: “I’ve been contacted by a great many people about the proposed closures in Perth, ranging from pensioners to young families.

“I have insisted that the Post Office come to a public meeting so they can explain the issues they face in managing the Government’s agenda.

“I also want them to meet sub postmasters whose offices are due to close and hear the views of local residents.

“This meeting will provide an opportunity for the people of Perth who use these Post Offices, to make their case straight to the Royal Mail.

“I will be chairing the meeting and will ask the Post Office to explain how proposed closures have been identified, what criteria have been taken into account and how local people can make their objections known during the consultation period.

“It’s important local residents understand the process and how they can best support the Post Office in their own area. We have to use the consultation to best effect to make sure the implications of the proposed closures are understood by Post Office management.

“I have been contacted by several pensioners in the Kinnoull and Bridgend areas, who will be expected to use the very busy central Post Office after the closure of their branch.

“I know from representations that this Post Office serves many pensioners and vulnerable groups who will be particularly disadvantaged by this closure.

“If people of Bridgend do not wish to use the South Street branch then the only other alternative is to journey to Scone, which just isn’t an option for many inhabitants of Bridgend.”

The MP added: “The Cherrybank and Garth Avenue Post Office closures would also have a great effect on the surrounding community.”

MSP Roseanna Cunningham said: “I’m pleased the Post Office have agreed to a meeting to allow public discussion of the plan to close three in Perth.

“I hope that as many people as possible will take the opportunity to get along to the meeting, listen to the arguments being put forward and have their say.

“Local folk will be far more aware of the actual impact these closures would have on individuals and the community than Post Office planners could ever have – so this is an extremely important part of the process.

“But it remains extremely important – even for those able to attend the meeting – that written responses are also submitted to the consultation.”