Post Office Closures "a huge blow to local communities"

11.57.00am GMT Wed 20th Feb 2008

Three of Orpington's Post Offices are under threat

Liberal Democrat Leader and Orpington Parliamentary candidate Cllr David McBride has attacked the latest consultation by the Post Office, which includes plans to close three Post Offices in Orpington, as a "huge blow to local communities."

The plans, published yesterday, propose closing Post Offices in Crofton Lane, Pratt's Bottom and Carlton Parade.

Cllr McBride, commenting on the plans, said, "These Post Offices are often the lifeblood of local shopping parades and local communities. To propose these closures is a huge blow to local residents and the local economy. In some cases these plans will mean that those who often have difficulty travelling, such as elderly or those with young children, will have no option than to travel in to Orpington High Street to use a Post Office. There can be no doubt that local shopping parades will suffer as a result."

The Liberal Democrats have pledged to make these Post Office closures a feature of the GLA campaign and local candidate Cllr Tom Papworth, mayoral candidate Brian Paddick and Cllr David McBride will be launching petitions against the closures in the areas concerned.