Camden New Journal - News: Town hall could run post offices

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Camden New Journal - by DAN CARRIER
Published: 13 March 2008

Keith Moffitt

Town Hall could run post offices

THE Town Hall is investigating whether they could take over and run the four post offices in the borough that Royal Mail want to close, the New Journal has learned.
Liberal Democrat council leader Keith Moffitt wrote to Royal Mail requesting talks about taking over branches in Somers Town, South End Green, Belsize Park and Highgate after it emerged Essex County Council was locked in talks with the company to take on rural post offices threatened with closure.
Cllr Moffit said he was waiting to study the details of their talks with Essex. The plans could see post offices being financially backed by council tax payers and offering extra services such as the issuing of parking permits and council tax payments.
Cllr Moffitt said: “We are looking into the deal with Essex and have requested more information from the Post Office about this.”
He said the Town Hall faced problems with gauging how profitable post office branches were as Royal Mail was refusing to release financial information on each branch.
Cllr Moffit added: “It means I honestly cannot say if the idea of taking them on is feasible – but we are looking into it as a matter of urgency.”
A Post Office spokesman said: “We are very willing to work with local authorities and other groups who want to fund and provide premises and staff for additional services in their community.”
Camden has also requested more information about how the Royal Mail has chosen branches to close.
Cllr Moffit said he had queried the criteria applied to close the Crowndale Road branch in Somers Town.
He added: “We need to challenge the methodology – that is a strong step to persuading the Post Office to re-think.”

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