MP GIVES REASSURANCES OVER POST OFFICE CLOSURES

5.39.39pm BST (GMT +0100) Mon 30th Jul 2007

Paul Keetch, MP for Hereford, keeps high on his agenda the retention of the the service of the Post Offices within his constituency and has received advance notification of the Local Area Plan for Herefordshire in the government's Post Office Network Change programme.

Commenting, the MP said, "As a result of my enquiries with government Ministers, Post Office Ltd and Postwatch, I am pleased to be able to offer some reassurances to my constituents and Post Office staff alike that there are no plans to close any of the post offices under the network change programme within Herefordshire in the immediate future."

The local area information plan encompassing Herefordshire, Worcestershire and the West Midlands confirms that the initial planning for Herefordshire Post Offices will not begin until May 2008, followed by public consultation in the Summer of the same year.

"Prior to the commencement of the consultation I will meet with Post Office Ltd managers for discussions about proposed changes in Herefordshire's Post Office arrangements. This official line of communication with Post Office Ltd is open only to me as the MP for Hereford and will provide me with the opportunity to defend the service in Herefordshire, especially in rural communities where the Post Office and its ambience are an integral part of day-to-day life for so many people," Paul Keetch added.

Paul Keetch MP recently wrote to Pat McFadden MP, Minister of State for Postal Affairs and is aware that the Minister is currently consulting his diary following an invitation to meet in Hereford to talk about the county's local economy and community services which will be impacted by the changes.

Sarah Carr, Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Candidate adds, "I would encourage people to help keep this issue high up the political agenda by either signing petitions at your Post Office or online at www.libdems.org.uk."

Ends