KEETCH CONFIRMS 'BUSINESS AS USUAL' AT LOCAL POST OFFICE

2.14.33pm BST (GMT +0100) Mon 9th Jul 2007

Hereford's MP, Paul Keetch, is delighted to be able to confirm that it is 'business as usual' for the immediate future at Longtown's Post Office housed at Hope's of Longtown Village Stores.

Following a recent visit to the village and Post Office where he met with concerned residents and the Post Mistress, Paul Keetch MP made enquiries with Post Office Ltd and Government Ministers about the future of the Post Office in Longtown in the face of the Post Office network change programme and the imminent closure of up to 2500 Post Offices across the county and countrywide.

Paul Keetch commented, "I have received a reassurance from Post Office Ltd that whilst it cannot be confirmed at this time whether Longtown Post Office will be impacted by the changes, it will continue to operate as usual from now and until any decisions are made about its long term future, as with other Post Offices across the county.

"The petition raised by the residents of Longtown and users of the Post Office in the village has demonstrated and made clear to the authorities that this particular branch is well used and provides a unique role at the heart of the community. This will be borne in mind when the restructuring of the network is undertaken."

As the Member of Parliament for Hereford and South Herefordshire, Paul Keetch will receive advance notification of the plans for Post Office closures across the constituency prior to the first series of public consultations expected later this year.

"I intend to ensure that the consultation process is not merely for show and that the interests of all residents in Hereford are not disadvantaged by this short-sighted plan," Mr Keetch added.

Ends