Post Office Branch Closures Unacceptable says MP

12.00.00am UTC (GMT +0000) Thu 24th Jun 2004

Reacting to Post Office Proposals to close three post offices in Guildford Sue Doughty, MP for Guildford said:

"These proposals will leave the neighbourhoods of Bellfields, Onslow and Westborough with no Post Office. They are based on poor research and understanding of what is needed in the area. This is yet another nail in the coffin of local postal services."

The proposals suggest that customers of Bellfields Post Office should use Woodbridge Hill Post Office, over a mile away, even though there is no bus from Bellfields to Woodbridge Hill and many users of the Post Office do not drive.

The closure of Madrid Road Post Office will be a further blow to Onslow Residents who saw the Onslow Post Office close some time ago. Local councillor Tony Phillips said: "This Post Office is vital for this community. " He already has plans to find alternate premises for the Post Office, perhaps in another shop in Madrid Road.

Residents and community leaders were deeply disappointed to learn of the proposal to close Aldershot Road Post Office. Councillor Olaf Kolassa, a Westborough councillor said: "There are many people around here who depend on the Post Office. Some of them are older and want access to their Post Office close by. It will be a long walk for them to go to any other Post Office.

Sue Doughty will be meeting Post Office officials to discuss the closures, and is encouraging residents to make their views clear to the Post Office.

Notes to Editors:

1. The consultation on Post Office closures starts today and ends on Thursday 5th August 2004. If a decision is taken to proceed with closure of any of the branches this is likely to take place in October 2004.

2. The Post Office has insisted that offices are open at lunchtime. Branch managers however have pointed out that this is not economic and that a good service can be provided at all other times.

3. The Post Office has pointed out that there is good parking in Guildford centre, close to the main Post Office. Car parks close to the Post Office are often full, and the area opposite the main Post Office which they suggest is available is in fact occupied by stalls on market days.