Lib Dems Fight Post Office Closures

12.00.00am GMT Fri 22nd Feb 2008

Councillor Alex Feakes joins London MEP Sarah Ludford to campaign against planned post office closures

Liberal Democrats in Lewisham and Beckenham are campaigning against planned closures of local post office branches in the area. Branches in New Cross, Hither Green, Lee and Beckenham are currently under threat.

Thousands of branches have closed over the past few years across the UK and now the Labour Government are planning to close another 2,500.

The three Lib Dem councillors for Lee Green ward have launched a petition to save the threatened branch on Burnt Ash Hill. Councillor Brian Robson said, "The Burnt Ash Hill Post Office provides a vital community facility. It's part of a thriving parade of shops and handy for Lee Station. We need as many people as possible to sign our petition and support the campaign." The petition can be signed online at www.ourcampaign.org.uk/burntash

Councillor Alex Feakes, Lib Dem spokesperson for the new Lewisham West and Penge constituency is concerned about the closure of the Beckenham branch. Cllr. Feakes commented, "With the recent changes to the post office in Forest Hill we've seen how much people value their local services. The Government should do everything it can to stave off this latest wave of closures."

Meanwhile, London Mayoral candidate, Brian Paddick, is leading the Lib Dem fight against 169 planned Post Office closures across the whole of London. Mr Paddick commented, "Post offices are often the heart of a local community and we must all do our utmost to preserve them. The trouble with economic arguments is that they leave people out of the equation, and they are the most important part."

"Many people rely on their local post office and to close 20% of London's post offices just shows a complete disregard for the needs of local communities," he added.

The four local branches threatened with closure are on New Cross Road, Hither Green Lane, Burnt Ash Hill and High Street Beckenham.