Reduced opening at New Malden Post Office is not acceptable

28.05.04

MP to meet senior post office manager at Commons to voice local concerns

Proposals to reduce opening times at New Malden Post Office have sparked an angry reaction from Liberal Democrat MP, Edward Davey. Kingston and Surbiton's MP will raise local concerns at a high level meeting with a senior Royal Mail manager in the Commons next week.

The cut in hours comes after closures of two New Malden sub-post offices in South Lane and Elm Road, and at a time when the Royal Mail is looking to close other post offices across London. Edward Davey MP had originally called the Commons meeting to express his concern at allegations that the Royal Mail was putting pressure on sub-post masters to close, ahead of the planned consultation on post offices this August. Now he plans to raise the cuts planned for New Malden too.

"I am astonished that Royal Mail wants to close the High Street post office in New Malden earlier. Reduced opening at New Malden Post Office is just not acceptable.

"The post office is well-used and much needed. Personally, I've never been in there when there hasn't been a long queue.

"When they closed New Malden's sub-post offices at South Lane and Elm Road, they told us people could still use the high street branch, and that they would be investing in better services in this remaining office.

"Only last month we've seen Royal Mail's underhand tactics for pre-empting this summer's consultation on the future of other post offices across the constituency. Royal Mail is fast losing the trust of local people with this deceitful approach.

"I hope I can win some reassurances at my meeting with Royal Mail managers at Parliament next week. If they will withdraw the reduction in opening hours at New Malden, we can draw a line, and try for a commitment that future consultation will be meaningful and not rigged."

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