| |
POST OFFICES TAKEOVER BID
MP demands new and accessible services after branches are axed
THE council is in frantic talks to pave the way for a post offices takeover bid after three branches were closed in the face of overwhelming public opposition.
Post offices in Harrow Road, Lisson Grove and Leinster Terrace in Bayswater will cease trading in less than four weeks – uniting campaigners, the council and local MP Karen Buck in their outrage.
The decision, made after a six-week consultation, has sparked calls for action to minimise the blow.
The council is trying to thrash out a deal that could see the Town Hall find new homes for the services or take them over itself.
Options include finding shops in the areas willing to take on a reduced package of Post Office services or relocating services to council-owned premises.
Karen Buck, MP for Kensington North and Westminster, is urging the council to “bite the bullet” and “make it happen” in Harrow Road.
She said: “We put up a fight but inevitably they have closed. Nobody wants their local branch closed but it’s done now. What must happen now is that the council must enter into serious talks with the Post Office to find somewhere else for the services. I am working to help this process along. It’s no use them saying we’ll put it in a council building. The post office in Harrow Road needs to be in an estate where people that need it can access it.”
Harrow Road shopkeeper Paul Walsh said: “I’m pleased that we managed to save one post office on the Harrow Road [No 377] but I’m not sure it will cope with all the extra trade. I was sad to learn of the closure. A lot of people can’t get about and have lost a vital service.”
The council claims to be taking the fight to the Post Office after it announced 155 branch closures across London on Wednesday.
Westminster councillor for economic development Danny Chalkley said: “The Post Office has continually failed to listen and has dragged its heels at every opportunity over these closures. We have been in talks with the Post Office for almost a year to see if we can continue services in some way – be it within council buildings or through a Post Office proposed ‘lite’ set-up. We have always recognised the utmost importance of a local and accessible post office for all residents and we will do all we can maintain this.”
Closures announced this week include:
• Harrow Road, 272 Harrow Road, W2
• Harrow Road, Willesden, NW10
• Leinster Terrace (temporarily close), 31 Leinster Terrace, W2
• Lisson Grove, 37 Lisson Grove, NW1
• Formosa Street, Little Venice,
received a stay of execution until May 30 owing to extension of consultation. |
 |
|
| |
| |
