"A terrible blow to local services"

MP to meet senior post office manager following threatened closures of another three local post offices

9.09.04

Public consultation begins today over plans to close three further post offices in the borough as part of the Post Office's Network Reinvention Plan. Local MP Edward Davey has expressed dismay at the proposals and is launching a campaign to save the post offices.

The public consultation, that will run from today until Wednesday 20th October, will consider the closure of the Berrylands branch, the Chiltern Drive branch and the Malden Manor branch. This comes after the closure of two New Malden sub-post offices in South Lane and Elm Road earlier this year.

Edward Davey MP said,

"It is appalling that we are now threatened with losing another three post offices. The impact on the elderly and disabled can be devastating.

"The only consolation is that there was a threat to close seven to eight post offices, but that is scant comfort for those affected.

"Anyone using post offices like New Malden or Surbiton already endure long queues. The knock-on effects of these closures will mean longer waits for everyone.

"If they are to close, something must be done to improve the service of receiving branches.

"However, it would be better if these branches were not to close at all.

"We must do whatever we can to voice our concerns about this terrible blow to local services. We must let the Post Office know that the threat of closure will not be taken lightly. I will raise concerns with the Post Office and I urge you to do the same through this consultation and through signing the petition on my website. Together we must make the Post Office see sense."