Crocodile tears over future of post offices

9:22am Wednesday 14th May 2008

Crocodile tears are being shed by local Conservatives over the future of our post office network.

During the 1992-97 Conservative government, when there were similar funding pressures as currently, over 1,000 post offices were closed - more than four every week. During successive Conservative Governments they presided over the closure of 3,500 post offices. I don't remember them campaigning to keep them open then. Their mantra was to know the "cost of everything and the value of nothing".

By the end of this summer up to 40 more post offices in Cornwall are scheduled to close.

A couple of weeks ago I organised a March to Save our Post offices from Carnon Downs to Playing Place. Around 70 people came out on a very wet and windy day. One lady living in Playing Place wrote to thank me and to say how "utterly disgusted" she was with any proposed closures. She and her husband are both disabled. The Post Office is a valuable link for them in the community.

I have already had meetings with the chairman and leader of Cornwall county council about the potential use of the Post Office network to deliver outreach services for the new One Council for Cornwall. Clearly, new ideas need to come forward to offset the withdrawal of huge chunks of revenue through the decision to pay benefits where possible through bank accounts, and develop direct and online channels for vehicle and TV licences. Our plan would allow investment in the Royal Mail service while ensuring that rural areas do not suffer from increased postal rates.

Terrye Teverson Parlimentary Candidate Truro-almouth Liberal Democrats

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