Lib Dems fight to save local Post Offices

10.55.17am BST (GMT +0100) Sat 21st Aug 2004

Three further post offices may be closed in a fresh blow to local communities in Tunbridge Wells.

The post offices affected are in Silverdale Road, Sherwood Road and St James' s Road.

The move astonished Liberal Democrat borough councillors.

St James Councillor David Neve said Sherwood and St James have high percentages of elderly people and young families living there and using the post office. He continued, "We are not a village but this provides a focal meeting place where people chat. The postmaster knows virtually everyone," he said.

Councillor Alf Baker says post office closures hurt so many people

St John's Councillor Alf Baker added: "The only consideration seems to be saving money. These closures hurt so many people"

Fellow Lib Dem Councillor for St John's Geoff Young added: "It's been greeted with shock and horror. It's not realistic to expect pensioners to walk to Greggswood Road. A petition is being organised."

Tunbridge Wells MP Archie Norman announced the news of possible closure in the Courier on the 13th August.

All objections need to be sent by 27 Sept 2004 to:

Paul Simmonds, Head of Area, Post Office Ltd c/o National Consultation Team, PO Box 2060, Watford, WD18 8ZW. Customer Helpline 08457 22 33 44

Liberal Democrats say post offices are a vital focal point in our communities - and if we don't fight to save them NOW we will lose them.

Please sign the petition on our website www.twlibdems.org.uk, and also write to the address above.