News Get writing to save threatened service
'Get writing' is the message from the council as the deadline for commenting on the post office plans looms.
Post offices on Westfield Avenue in Goole and at Foggathorpe have both been earmarked for closure. There are also plans to close Reedness Post Office and replace it with a limited opening outreach service.
All comments about the plans must be received by Monday, November 12.
On Tuesday, the East Riding of Yorkshire Council (ERYC)'s cabinet agreed that the council's network of customer service centres, libraries and leisure centres, including those in Goole, should be used to gather in letters of response, which will then be passed on to the post office consultation team.
Pro forma letters, to which people can add their own comments, will be available from today in these places. They can also be downloaded from www.eastriding.gov.uk under the 'have your say' section.
Cllr Stephen Parnaby, leader of the ERYC, said: "With yet more closure proposals in the pipeline, I am very concerned that the East Riding is being picked off, with many communities likely to lose their post office.
"We cannot let branch post offices be closed on this scale without a fight and I urge people to get involved and send out a clear message that the East Riding wants to keep one of its most valuable assets.
"Closure of post offices will rip the heart out of local communities and have a very negative impact on the East Riding. Elderly people and those without their own transport, in particular, rely on their local post office which not only provides a much needed service but also often doubles up as a useful shop.
"There is also the social value of post offices as meeting places and the 'eyes and ears' of the community, with a role to play in checking up on the welfare of vulnerable people."
Local residents can either leave their letters at the East Riding of Yorkshire Council centres, or post them directly to: Adrian Wales, Network Development Manager, c/o National Consultation Team, FREEPOST CONSULTATION TEAM.
No stamp is required. Emails can be sent to consultation@postoffice.co.uk
Published on 1st November 2007 in News.
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