MP is 'appalled' at post office closures (From Chard & Ilminster News)

MP is 'appalled' at post office closures

4:04pm Friday 22nd February 2008 in Chard By Steve Sowden

YEOVIL MP David Laws has said he is 'appalled' after hearing that five post offices in the constituency are to close.

Leaked Government information has revealed that more than 60 post offices in the Bristol and Somerset region as a whole are set to be axed.

"I am appalled by this news, which will affect communities across Somerset," he said.

"I am particularly worried about the planned closure of five post offices in my own constituency - at East Coker, Mudford, Haselbury Plucknett, Goldcroft in Yeovil and Barwick.

"This is especially concerning for elderly and vulnerable people who may find it difficult to access other nearby shops and Post Offices.

"Yeovil itself and the surrounding villages seem to be particularly hard-hit by this news, and all of these Post Offices serve large communities who also rely on the Post Office as a shop.

"This Government does not value the Post Office network. The previous Conservative government closed 3,500 Post Offices, and since 1997 Labour have closed 4,000 and are now targeting even more."

Mr Laws added: "I will now be consulting local communities to consider how we can help to protect these vital local services."