Islington Tribune - News: Protesters stamp on plan to shut ‘handy’ post office

Publications by New Journal Enterprises

Home

Archive

Competition

Islington Tribune - by JO HARMAN
Published: 7 March 2008

Demonstrators outside Essex Road post office. ‘There is no need to close it,’ said campaigner Bridget Fox

Protesters stamp on plan to shut ‘handy’ post office

Oldies rock band member asks: ‘Where will pensioners go?’

DEMONSTRATORS protested against the threatened closure of Essex Road post office on Monday.
Among the 50 campaigners outside the Islington post office were Lib Dem council leader James Kempton and members of oldies’ rock band The Zimmers.
Former council deputy leader Bridget Fox, who has led a campaign to save Essex Road post office, said: “Islington has lost 10 sub-post offices since 2000 and many people who used those post offices were told to come here to Essex Road.
“Now they want to close this one too. It’s owned by Post Office Ltd, not by a franchise. There is no need to close it.”
The post office played a crucial role in the community, she added. “It acts as the only bank in Essex Road, so closing it will have a negative effect on local businesses,” Ms Fox said.
If the post office shuts then the nearest alternative will be at Highbury Corner or Upper Street. Customers believe this is too far to travel, particularly for elderly people.
Alf Carretta, a member of The Zimmers, said: “There are loads of pensioners around here. What the hell are they going to do if this post office closes? It’s so handy.”
Resident Beryl Jordan said not only the elderly would suffer. “The children need to use it too and mums who want to collect benefits shouldn’t have to get on a bus with their prams to travel to the post office,” she added.
The Town Hall is backing the campaign. Lib Dem council leader James Kempton said: “This is the heart of the community and there is no reason why it should close. It’s just government policy. This is a community service but the government are trying to turn it into a money-making business.”
The council has invited Post Office representatives to a public meeting at New North Community School on Tuesday. Ms Fox will present them with a 5,000-signature petition opposing the closure.
Labour MP Emily Thornberry is to meet the head of the Post Office to explain that the people of Islington oppose the closure.
The Islington South and Finsbury MP said: “Upper Street is too busy and not wheelchair-accessible. If the council closes Highbury Corner for renovations, people who currently use Essex Road will have no feasible alternative.”

Comment on this article.
(You must supply your full name and email address for your comment to be published)

Name:

Email:

Comment: