MPs Defend Cornwall's Post Office Network

4.24.55pm GMT Mon 19th Mar 2007

A joint submission has been made by Cornwall's 5 Liberal Democrat MPs to the Government's consultation on the future of the Post Office Network.

Last December, the Government announced plans to close 2500 Post Offices nationwide, a move which was condemned by all of Cornwall's MPs. In their submission, the MPs highlighted the devastating social and economic impact that such closures would have on Cornwall's local communities and pointed out that they would disproportionately affect the county's more vulnerable people.

The Government recently confirmed that it failed to send copies of the Post Office consultation document to postmasters - a revelation that has angered Cornwall's parliamentary team.

Commenting Julia Goldsworthy, MP for Falmouth and Camborne, said:

"The Post Office is at the heart of many of our rural villages, and plays a vital part in ensuring these communities are economically, socially and environmentally sustainable. Our submission highlights that if the Government's proposals are implemented, many vulnerable people will be left isolated and unable to access important services.

"The Government has to look beyond the economic bottom line and recognise the crucial social role that our post offices perform in our towns and villages."

Dan Rogerson, MP for North Cornwall, added:

"I hope that our submission will help persuade ministers to rethink the proposed programme of cuts.

"Instead of undermining the network at every opportunity, the Government should think creatively and assist Post Offices to provide new types of service in order to remain viable."