Mid Worcestershire Liberal Democrats

Press Release 21st July 2006

LIB DEMS FIGHT THREAT TO LOCAL POST OFFICES

 Following the announcement by Ministers yesterday (July 20 th) that they intend to continue with their plans to abolish the Post Office Card Account despite massive public opposition, Liberal Democrat Work and Pensions spokesman, Danny Alexander MP said

“Over the last few months hundreds of thousands of the four million people who use Post Office Card Accounts (POCA) have signed petitions calling for them to be retained. Instead the Government seems to be relying on research among people who were forced to switch from these accounts to argue that their demise is justified. The Government must make sure that a successor to POCA is developed before the card accounts close. Otherwise this change will damage vulnerable people and post offices alike.”

Cllr Margaret Rowley has been collecting signatures for the Liberal Democrat petition and supporting campaigns run by local post offices in Crowle and Tibberton. Margaret said

“This is very disappointing news. There has been overwhelming support for the petitions. Village Post Offices provide a vital service for local people. Gradually the Government is taking away these services causing closures which can have a profound effect on communities, particularly hitting the more vulnerable members of society such as the elderly, disabled and those without transport of their own.

Under the last Tory Government, around 3,000 post offices closed and under Labour since 1997 a further 4,000 have gone. If a suitable alternative to the Post Office Card Accounts is not developed, even more post offices will close