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Local Liberal Democrats have launched a petition calling for action to stop Post Office closures. The decision to launch the petition was sparked by the decision of the Labour government to launch a new wave of Post Office closures.
Labour ministers want another 2,500 branches across the country to be closed, in addition to the 4,000 they have closed since they came to power, with 60 post offices set to close in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.
In the New Forest it has been announced that 8 Post Offices are going to close:
Ashley, New Milton •
Bramshaw, Lyndhurst •
Emery Down, Lyndhurst •
Fairview Parade, Hythe
Milton, New Milton •
Minstead, Lyndhurst •
Testwood, Totton •
Tiptoe, Lymington
Terry Scriven, Prospective Member of Parliament for New Forest East, said, “Many residents in the New Forest have already spoken to me about their concerns about Post Offices. Elderly residents in particular have told me of their worries about the Government’s decision earlier this year to end the Post Office Card Account, used by many pensioners to collect their state pension.
“They may now be forced to get their pensions paid through a bank account instead, depending on the outcome of the tender for a replacement card account. The result is that already struggling Post Offices are losing even more business and income.
Local campaigner, Cllr Maureen Robinson said “Local residents are telling of their concerns in getting to their nearest Post office, especially if relying on public transport, which is expensive and for those with a disability, it is even more of a problem for them. This is especially true now that the Post Office at Fairview Parade is one of those listed for closure”
“We have launched a petition along with Liberal Democrat campaigners from other areas to call on the Government to keep Post Offices open and and free the business from restrictive regulation, invest in the future of the network and stop removing government business. |
This is another example of a government that cares little for the general public especially the elderly many of whom have no transport of their own and little or no public transport in the smaller villages of the New Forest.
Fortunately our local Post Office that we use to get our pension is not being closed, but I feel many pensioners are going to suffer hardship because of this government decision.
Michael Peck Totton |
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