Lancaster City Council disappointed at Post Office closures
Lancaster City Council has expressed its extreme disappointment at the Post Office's decision to close eight of its branches in the district.
Lancaster City Council has expressed its extreme disappointment at the Post Office's decision to close eight of its branches in the district.
The Post Office announced yesterday (Tuesday April 1) that it is to close branches at Kellet Road in Carnforth, Middleton, Yealand Redmayne, Nether Kellet, Higher Greaves and Ridge in Lancaster. In addition the Glasson Dock and Quernmore branches will be replaced by a limited 'out reach’ service operating for a short period of time on two days a week.
The closures follow a period of public consultation, which was responded to by Lancaster City Council. The council's nine page response pointed out the vital role that Post Offices play in the community and questionned the logic behind the closures.
Particular concerns highlighted by the council include the fact that Post Offices are used by many people to pay household bills and to buy electricity keys and gas cards. Without effective alternatives these people will be unfairly disadvantaged.
Coun Stuart Langhorn, chairman of the council's overview and scrutiny committee, which led the consultation response, said: "In producing our reponse to the consultation we gathered a large amount of evidence on how the closure of these Post Offices will seriously affect the communities they serve.
"Needless to say we are extremely disappointed that the Post Office has chosen to disregard these concerns and press ahead with the closures anyway."
The Post Office launched its consultation on the proposed closures on January 22 2008, giving just six weeks for people to respond.
Out of 59 proposed closures in Lancashire, Fylde and Southport just one Post Office that was originally earmarked for closure has been saved – Warton Street in Lytham.
Date Updated: 19/03/09