KEETCH RESPONDS TO POST OFFICE CLOSURES DECISION

10.32.33am GMT Wed 29th Oct 2008

MP for Hereford, Paul Keetch, has been advised that of the six post offices in his constituency all but one will be closed as suggested in the proposals put forward by Post Office Limited following the consultation period.

Commenting on the situation, the MP said, "I am pleased that Tudorville Post Office in Ross is to remain open for business at this time and that, with backing from Postwatch, the permanent future for this site will move to the next level of the process - which is encouraging news. This was a priority and it is good to know that campaigning so far has been successful. We must remain optimistic but not complacent.

"I am now seeking assurances from Post Office Limited that where a Post Office is to close, as in the case of Redhill Post Office particularly, that neighbouring services will be adequately and suitably resourced, especially for the elderly and infirm, so as to allow for additional customers that the closures will inevitably bring about.

"The Crown Post Office at St Peter's Square in Hereford should not be overlooked either as there will no doubt be a knock-on effect felt by the closure programme. It is essential that staffing and services are of the highest level here to meet the demand and I will continue to make representations in this regard to improve the efficiency at this Post Office which already struggles to cope particularly at peak times."

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