MP Kevan Jones, said he will consult residents

TWO post offices in Chester-le-Street are the latest to be earmarked for closure as part of the controversial programme to cut the national network.

Grange Villa Post Office, in Front Street, and South Pelaw Post Office, Emanuel House, South Pelaw are on a hit list announced by the Post Office on Tuesday - 16 of them in County Durham.

The Post Office has started a six-week public consultation on the proposals.

The Post Office claims that 99.5 per cent of the area's population will either see no change or will remain within one mile of an alternative branch, but the plans have already provoked condemnation.

Countryside Alliance North East Regional Director Richard Dodd said: "We all feel that the Government has missed the point on post offices. Financial viability cannot be the only concern when considering whether to continue subsidising the post office network.

"Post offices are the social heart of many communities, and without them many thousands of people, including many elderly and disabled, would be increasingly isolated."

North Durham Labour MP Kevan Jones said he would consult with residents affected by the three closures planned for his constituency.

Adrian Wales, Post Office Ltd's Network Development Manager for the North-East, said: "We believe these proposals offer the best prospect for a sustainable way forward for Post Office services in this area, bearing in mind the minimum access criteria and the other factors we have to take into account.

The consultation deadline is Monday, August 11. People wishing to comment should write to Mr Wales, c/o National Consultation Team, Freepost Consultation Team, send e-mails to consultation@postoffice.

co.uk or call the customer helpline on 08457-223344.

10:57am Friday 4th July 2008

Print

Email this