James Duddridge, MP for Rochford and Southend East, has today sent in his submission to the consultation on the future of the Post Office at 88 Sutton Road. Proposals to close approximately 2,500 Post Office branches were first announced in December 2006, but the branch at 88 Sutton Road was only recently selected as one of those on the Post Office’s closure list.
Commenting today, James noted:
“Since 1993 we have seen the number of Post Office branches in Rochford and Southend East halved from 23 to 13 - local residents are opposed to the plans and the message I have sent to the Post Office is enough is enough”.
This submission comes after a long campaign by James and local Conservatives, including Councillor Nigel Folkard and Victoria Ward Council candidate David Manclark, who raised a petition with over 1000 signatories which was presented to 10 Downing Street on the 5th March 2008 prior to the Post Office’s announcement about 88 Sutton Road. Following the announcement in June 2008 that the branch at 88 Sutton Road was earmarked for closure James immediately held meetings with the owner of the premises and the Sub-Postmaster, and later also met with representatives of the Post Office in Southend to outline concerns about closure.
James added:
“My submission provided a clear argument that closing the Sutton Road branch would hit the most vulnerable sections of our communities hardest. The area around 88 Sutton Road has an elderly population and is regarded as one of the most deprived areas in the UK. The Post Office is not just another place to buy a paper for these residents - it is a lifeline to vital services and provides a social centre for nearby customers. I hope the Post Office takes into account the high levels of closures that have already hit the area and makes a positive decision that will benefit the area and local residents.”
The consultation closes on the 28th July and a decision will be taken later on in August.
22 July 2008