The last post
AFTER three months of "consultation", 2,500 protest letters, 22 "stakeholder meetings",
thousands signing petitions (the Post Office hasn't counted the exact number), and
only one of our Labour MPs brave enough to vote against the closures, not one of the
37 threatened branches in our region survived the cull yesterday.
PUBLIC consultation over post
office closures in the region was
branded a sham last night after
campaigners failed to save a single
branch.
All 37 branches on the hitlist in
Cleveland, south Durham and
North Yorkshire are to close, Post
Office bosses confirmed.
A further two branches will be
replaced with outreach services.
News of the closures, which
will start next month, came despite
protests and community
campaigns to save many of them.
During a six-week public consultation
period, which ended on
March 26, Post Office Limited received
about 2,590 responses and
attended 22 meetings with customers
and their representatives.
Officials also received several
petitions, but confessed they did
not know how many people had
signed because they did not
count them.
After hearing that not one
branch had been removed from
the closure list, campaigners said
they felt ignored.
James Wharton, the Conservative
parliamentary candidate for
Stockton South, said: "Thousands
of local residents spoke out
against the closure of Oxbridge
Lane Post Office and they have
been ignored."
One postmistress, who did not
want to be named, said: "We desperately
wanted to survive, but
the post office along the road,
where the postmaster wants to
retire, is staying open.
"Local people know best what
their communities need, but
someone sitting at a desk miles
away is making the decisions
that affect our lives."
Cheryl Clark, sub-postmistress
at Simpasture, in Newton Aycliffe,
County Durham, said: "It's
been a complete and utter sham,
I think the consultation was a
waste of time."
Sheila Mulgrew, sub-postmistress
at Toft Hill, near Bishop
Auckland, added: "I'd like to
think they listened, but don't
think they wanted to be proved
wrong."
Post Office Limited insists closures
are necessary to save the
remaining network and stem
losses of £4m a week.
The Government has ordered it
to shed 2,500 branches by the end
of the year.
There was anger during the
consultation period when
Labour MPs who had pledged to
save local branches voted against
a Tory Commons motion that
would have suspended the closure
programme.
Vera Baird (Redcar), Hugh
Bayley (City of York), Ashok
Kumar (Middlesbrough South
and East Cleveland), and Phil
Wilson (Sedgefield) campaigned
against axing post offices in their
constituencies.
But when it came to the
crunch, they voted to allow the
closures to go ahead.
Easington MP John Cummings
was the only North-East MP to
vote for the closures to be suspended.
Dari Taylor, the MP for Stockton
South, who abstained during
the vote, said she was "furious
and seething" at the decision to
shut the Oxbridge Lane and Long
Newton branches.
She said: "I asked if there was
an appeals process against
this decision and the answer no'.
"I asked if these post offices
could be given a period of time
to prove they can be profitable,
the answer was again, no."
Darlington MP, Alan Milburn,
said: "Post Office Limited's decision
to go ahead with the three
closures in Darlington is not only
disappointing, it rides roughshod
over the views of residents
and the arguments I and others
made for a rethink."
John Williams, leader of Darlington
Borough Council, said: "I
am bitterly disappointed that the
consultation, and the weight of
evidence presented by us, seems
to have had no impact on Royal
Mail's decision to close post offices
in Darlington."
Bosses at Post Office Limited
insist they considered all feedback
from the public consultation
exercise.
"We spend a lot of time planning
before closures are proposed
and do fully consider feedback
before finalising the plans,"
said spokesman Graham Moore.
Mike Jones, regional manager
for the independent postal services
watchdog Post Watch,
agreed the company had been
fair when finalising its decisions.
He said: "We've been involved
in the consultation and know
Post Office Limited considered
feedback alongside the minimum
access criteria set by the Government
and adhered to that.
"It is never a happy day when
a post office closes, but we hope
what we end up with is a sustainable
network that people support
so no more closures are required."
STAMPED OUT
Clifton Avenue &
Cowpen Lane, in
Billingham; Bolam;
Boldron; Brompton;
Plumor Road, Catterick
Garrison; Charltons;
Croft; Brinkburn Road,
Cleveland Terrace &
Pierremont Crescent, in
Darlington; Hart;
Chatham Road & Elwick
Road, in Hartlepool;
Heighington; Hutton
Henry; Hutton Magna;
Kirk Merrington;
Lazenby; Leeholme;
Long Newton; Roman
Road, Middlesbrough;
Moorsholm; Simpasture
Gate, Newton Aycliffe;
High Street,
Northallerton; Page
Bank; Park Avenue,
Redcar; Reeth Road,
Richmond; Romaldkirk;
Seamer; Coronation
Avenue, Shildon; South
Church; Oxbridge Lane,
Stockton; Thorpe
Thewles; Toft Hill;
Tudhoe Colliery; Winston
10:17am Wednesday 14th May 2008
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CommentPosted by: alan, Richmond on 10:37am Wed 14 May 08
Why would anyone be surprised that MP,s did not vote against closure. They have only one priority, namely how much more can I cream of the taxpayer in salary and expenses.
Why would anyone be surprised that MP,s did not vote against closure. They have only one priority, namely how much more can I cream of the taxpayer in salary and expenses.
Posted by: Peter Dolan, Newton Aycliffe on 10:57am Wed 14 May 08
Alans right, the first priority of an MP is to get his/her hands as far into the public money bucket as they can, we hear Brown saying that he is going to listen and learn, but who is he going to listen to? its certainly not the people who constantly vote for him and his party and have a very short memory when voting time comes around. We have post office closures, the same goes for hospitals with ward closures, councils demand that we bend to their rule and the government passes legislation to make sure we do, theres no end to what the public have to put up with but with so many having a short memory nothing will improve.
Alans right, the first priority of an MP is to get his/her hands as far into the public money bucket as they can, we hear Brown saying that he is going to listen and learn, but who is he going to listen to? its certainly not the people who constantly vote for him and his party and have a very short memory when voting time comes around. We have post office closures, the same goes for hospitals with ward closures, councils demand that we bend to their rule and the government passes legislation to make sure we do, theres no end to what the public have to put up with but with so many having a short memory nothing will improve.
Posted by: john, darlington on 11:36am Wed 14 May 08
I agree with Alan and Peters comments today.
WE must learn to REMEMBER what has happened re post offices and many other occasions when we have been walked over.
We have the opportuity at election time.
It is often said that councillors and MPs of all parties would just do the same, they most likely would but THEY DONT LIKE LOSING THEIR POWER when up for re election.
It would be good if anyone elected were only to have ONE YEAR then have to seek approval to continue for a full term.
I agree with Alan and Peters comments today.
WE must learn to REMEMBER what has happened re post offices and many other occasions when we have been walked over.
We have the opportuity at election time.
It is often said that councillors and MPs of all parties would just do the same, they most likely would but THEY DONT LIKE LOSING THEIR POWER when up for re election.
It would be good if anyone elected were only to have ONE YEAR then have to seek approval to continue for a full term.
Posted by: doug, nottingham on 12:06pm Wed 14 May 08
If you think the tories would have acted differently you're living in cloud cuckoo land
If you think the tories would have acted differently you're living in cloud cuckoo land
Posted by: darlington, dton on 2:52pm Wed 14 May 08
brinkburn road is the nearest post office to me with easy access and i live in haughton i think it is a disgrace and its the peoples post office not the councils or whoevers to shut down. remember the customer is always right!!!!
brinkburn road is the nearest post office to me with easy access and i live in haughton i think it is a disgrace and its the peoples post office not the councils or whoevers to shut down. remember the customer is always right!!!!
Posted by: tb on 3:02pm Wed 14 May 08
I think the decision to close post offices is one of the worst I have ever seen by a goverment who seems to have little concern or are completely out of touch with ordinary peoples feelings and concerns.
I think the decision to close post offices is one of the worst I have ever seen by a goverment who seems to have little concern or are completely out of touch with ordinary peoples feelings and concerns.
Posted by: ch, northallerton on 4:29pm Wed 14 May 08
Re: John Darlington
How can you judge somebody in one year, 365 days? A lot of the British public only care about themselves anyway, just as you say MP's do! I wonder if people would feel the same if the money saved was going into their pockets? I doubt it, typical hypocracy!
Re: John Darlington
How can you judge somebody in one year, 365 days? A lot of the British public only care about themselves anyway, just as you say MP's do! I wonder if people would feel the same if the money saved was going into their pockets? I doubt it, typical hypocracy!
Posted by: ian, hurworth on 4:48pm Wed 14 May 08
This is a shameful decision made by people who obviously have no understanding of the needs of the most vulnerable members of our society.
We had a good deal of warm words from the politicos but no action with the net result that many communities will lose an essential service. Those living on the outskirts of the towns or villages are now faced with expensive and time consuming trips to an already over-run post office in the town centre. Hardly acords with he making of sustainable communities, now, does it? Simply disgusted.
This is a shameful decision made by people who obviously have no understanding of the needs of the most vulnerable members of our society.
We had a good deal of warm words from the politicos but no action with the net result that many communities will lose an essential service. Those living on the outskirts of the towns or villages are now faced with expensive and time consuming trips to an already over-run post office in the town centre. Hardly acords with he making of sustainable communities, now, does it? Simply disgusted.
Posted by: Dave, Richmond. on 5:01pm Wed 14 May 08
The closure of West End Post Office in Richmond is a disgrace and shows up the comments of the Post Office about listening to be a pack of lies. The service at West End is so good that people travel across the town to use it, sometimes driving past the other two offices to do so. A petition with 1300 names on it (which appears not to heve been counted) and a hell of a lot of letters appear to have been of no consequence. To imnply that the service around here won't change is utter and absolute rubbish and shows that no in depth look at individual post offices ever too place. And as for Postwatch...Independ
ent..Ha!! that's a laugh you've just toed the party line. This was a stitch up from the start, probably to help the new W.H. Smith to take over the Richmond service in the future. The most sickening part of this is that it's been done by Labour (or should I say the detested Blatcherite NuLab). The party has once again proved that it is in hock to big business and the rich and I for one will never vote labour again...ever!! It's always been difficult to stick up for Labour around here so at least I won't have that problem anymore because they've totally forgotten where there roots are. By the way Mr.Hague my vote isn't coming anywhere near you either after your,at best, lukewarm attempts to help....Oh yes you lot closed about 3500 post offices yourselves didn't you. Government for the people...what a flippin'joke!!.
The closure of West End Post Office in Richmond is a disgrace and shows up the comments of the Post Office about listening to be a pack of lies. The service at West End is so good that people travel across the town to use it, sometimes driving past the other two offices to do so. A petition with 1300 names on it (which appears not to heve been counted) and a hell of a lot of letters appear to have been of no consequence. To imnply that the service around here won't change is utter and absolute rubbish and shows that no in depth look at individual post offices ever too place. And as for Postwatch...Independ
ent..Ha!! that's a laugh you've just toed the party line. This was a stitch up from the start, probably to help the new W.H. Smith to take over the Richmond service in the future. The most sickening part of this is that it's been done by Labour (or should I say the detested Blatcherite NuLab). The party has once again proved that it is in hock to big business and the rich and I for one will never vote labour again...ever!! It's always been difficult to stick up for Labour around here so at least I won't have that problem anymore because they've totally forgotten where there roots are. By the way Mr.Hague my vote isn't coming anywhere near you either after your,at best, lukewarm attempts to help....Oh yes you lot closed about 3500 post offices yourselves didn't you. Government for the people...what a flippin'joke!!.
Posted by: Natalia Anderson, Birtley, Co Durham on 8:08pm Wed 14 May 08
I work in my local post office, and as our local area plan has not yet been devised, we are still left wondering whether we will be on the dreaded list. Yet the people who will make the decision have never stepped foot in our door and are unaware of our customers true needs. The needs of the elderly that rely upon our service to help them remain independent, and as in most cases rely upon our knowledge of them as an individual in order to meet their needs. At 28 years old I am more than aware that in the present day services are widely available and used elsewhere, however the post office offers so many excellent services that are more than capable of competing in today's market however most people are just simply unaware of them. Insted of closing busy profitable post offices why not just simply move with the times and improve and promote our services.
I work in my local post office, and as our local area plan has not yet been devised, we are still left wondering whether we will be on the dreaded list. Yet the people who will make the decision have never stepped foot in our door and are unaware of our customers true needs. The needs of the elderly that rely upon our service to help them remain independent, and as in most cases rely upon our knowledge of them as an individual in order to meet their needs. At 28 years old I am more than aware that in the present day services are widely available and used elsewhere, however the post office offers so many excellent services that are more than capable of competing in today's market however most people are just simply unaware of them. Insted of closing busy profitable post offices why not just simply move with the times and improve and promote our services.
Posted by: jonathan gatenby, darlington on 9:58pm Wed 14 May 08
as its a crime to be prejudiced against another culture, then why is it different when the government becomes prejudiced against the elderly and disabled people by these closures and forcing these people to travel great distances in the futute and spend money they dont have. wait till election time, they are in for a very unpleasant shock
as its a crime to be prejudiced against another culture, then why is it different when the government becomes prejudiced against the elderly and disabled people by these closures and forcing these people to travel great distances in the futute and spend money they dont have. wait till election time, they are in for a very unpleasant shock
Posted by: Phil Rippingale, Rippingale, Lincolnshire on 12:35pm Thu 15 May 08
We formed [bold]CAPOC[/bold] (Communities Against Post Office Closures) precisely because the consultation periods are a complete sham. We don't spell it out on our website (we don't want to put off people fighting newly-announced closures from putting up a good fight) but if you look at initial closure proposals against final closure lists, all but a tiny handful nationwide have been closed and all public input via the consultation period has been totally and utterly ignored. No individual protest group stands a realistic chance of fighting a closure; that's the unpalatable truth. The only way that there is any chance of a way forward is through a national grouping so if your post office has just been closed, register with [bold]CAPOC[/bold] and help us fight to keep profitable post offices open.
We formed
CAPOC (Communities Against Post Office Closures) precisely because the consultation periods are a complete sham. We don't spell it out on our website (we don't want to put off people fighting newly-announced closures from putting up a good fight) but if you look at initial closure proposals against final closure lists, all but a tiny handful nationwide have been closed and all public input via the consultation period has been totally and utterly ignored. No individual protest group stands a realistic chance of fighting a closure; that's the unpalatable truth. The only way that there is any chance of a way forward is through a national grouping so if your post office has just been closed, register with
CAPOC and help us fight to keep profitable post offices open.
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