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Speak up for Post Offices

Kathryn Ryan
3/ 7/2008

RESIDENTS are being asked to voice their concerns about how they would be affected by post office closures in a bid to stop three Salford branches being shut down.

Earlier this month it was revealed Langworthy Post Office in Langworthy Road, Adelphi Post Office in Oldfield Road, Salford, and Patricroft Post Office, in Lewis Street, had been earmarked for closure.

Now the council is urging people to submit their examples of how important post offices are to them, by filling in questionnaires or phoning a dedicated line.

Councillor David Lancaster, deputy leader of the council, said:

"We can put the economic and social arguments against closure but what we want is the people who use the post offices to tell us about the personal impact of losing their local office.

"We have got strong arguments about the devastating impact these closures would have on the community.

"The fall-out is not only about where people will go in future to pick up their pension or pay their rent, it’s also about the impact on neighbourhoods themselves. People using a post office will use other shops nearby so there will be a knock-on effect.

"There is also a social impact. Not only are post offices social hubs for a community, the people using them don’t really have the option of travelling further afield to use their services."

Since the announcement the Langworthy and Adelphi branches have started up petitions to save their stores.

Councillors and Eccles MP Ian Stewart have met Post Office officials and another meeting is expected in the next fortnight.

A questionnaire to gather residents’ opinions is available at the three post offices, at council offices and online at www.salford.gov.uk/postofficeclosures . Responses can also be given over the phone on: 0161 909 6524. Objections must be made by Monday, July 21.