One-third of UK Post Offices to close - 8 in Hackney?

Submitted by Janine on 12 December, 2003 - 12:40

Eight Hackney post offices face closure because "they do not make enough profit". And there was us thinking that post offices were supposed to be a public service, not simply a source of profit!

Local residents will also be surprised to learn that the Post Office believes that there are "too many post offices and not enough people". The queues tell a different story!
Apparently this is part of a national policy of closures which the Post Office has dubbed 'Network Re-invention' (where do they get these terms from?!). Although Hackney may be especially hard-hit (no change there), people all over the country could be affected, with up to a third of all UK post offices closing.

Hackney post offices facing the chop are at: Downs Road; Rushmore Road; 82 Dalston Lane; Downham Road; Sandringham Road; Southgate Road; 175 Mare Street; and Murray Grove.

The Post Office claims that after the closures, 95% of Hackney residents will still have a post office within a mile of their homes. The Post Office is ignoring two big issues: firstly, the other 5% of residents; and secondly, the fact that a mile is a very long way for some people, especially those, such as pensioners, who rely on post offices the most.

Post office counter staff will undoubtedly be affected too, either being moved or losing their jobs.

There is a 'consultation' about this process, but we have little faith that this will really reflect the widespread opposition to post office closures. (See our recent article about Homerton Hospital's 'consultation' on its application for foundation status to see why.)

You can send your views to the National Consultation Team, PO Box 2060, Watford, WD18 8ZW. However, the deadline is January 13, leaving precious little time for labour movement and community bodies to meet and decide a response, or for individuals - bogged down with Christmas activities - to put pen to paper.

Instead of relying on this sham 'consultation', Workers' Liberty will be urging the local trade union movement and residents' associations to campaign vigorously against the closures. Workers and communities united can save our services!

Comments

Submitted by Janine on Tue, 24/02/2004 - 08:57

Read an update here.
e-mail: janine.booth at btopenworld.com

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