County Council supports post offices in their cases to stay open
Warwickshire County Council has written to Post Office Limited in which it has endorsed the cases made by many post offices in the county against their closures.
The county has had a detailed look at the business cases and in the instances where there are major problems in access to alternative locations or their capacity to absorb the extra business of offices due for closure, has emphasised its support.
The letter will accompany the evidence going to Post Office Ltd in which various flaws in Post Office Ltd’s criteria are highlighted. Using inaccurate census information and incorrect bus routes has meant that some of the centres earmarked for closure by Post Office Ltd will have more of an effect locally than Post Office Ltd had envisaged.
The county has also asked Post Office Ltd to postpone plans to identify outreach provision in South Warwickshire until it has had chance to consult further with local communities. The county has pointed out that it cannot make a definitive decision on supporting proposals for outreach until consultation has been fully carried out on which post offices will definitely close.
In requesting that POL keep the post offices mentioned open, As an incentive to Post Office Ltd, the county has stated that it could enhance final proposals for outreach services with local authority support and access to small grants through Rural Access to Service Provision.
Cllr Chris Saint, portfolio holder for economic development with Warwickshire County Council, said: “Many communities will be devastated at losing their post office. Up to 30% of the elderly population could be some distance from an alternative in areas where the bus services are inadequate.
“A post office often adds to the viability of local businesses which are important especially in rural areas. They also provide the hub of local shops which are an integral part of the local infrastructure.”
Cllr Heather Timms, portfolio holder for customer services and access said: “Warwickshire County Council recognises that the government is driving this agenda but we must support our residents to try and keep facilities that are so integral to them. The county council will investigate every opportunity to work with partners to ensure that local people have access to services that are key to their quality of life.”
The submission has been posted today and will meet Post Office Ltd’s consultation deadline of Monday 4 August,