MPs react to post office closures

12:36pm Wednesday 29th October 2008

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LOCAL MPs have reacted angrily to news of the post office closures.

Mid-Worcestershire MP Peter Luff has hit out following the announcement that Bengeworth Post Office will close.

He condemned the decision as ‘an act of social and economic vandalism.’ He called an emergency meeting with Postwatch chief executive Howard Webber and managing director of Post Office Ltd Alan Cook before the announcement was made public, but to no avail.

Mr Luff said: “The case the local community made to save Bengeworth was an overpowering one and I am appalled at the insensitivity and lack of awareness demonstrated by Post Office Ltd in its response.

“Above all, the remarkable Pearl Bennett and her staff should have been held up as examples of the very best the post office network has to offer - instead they and the people they have served so well are being treated with contempt.

“The Government’s handling of this whole affair has been shocking, but it is people in remote and vulnerable communities who will pay the price.”

Branches in Pinvin, Wickhamford and Church Lench will also close and an outreach service will be provided at Elmley Castle.

West Worcestershire MP Sir Michael Spicer reiterated Mr Luff’s response.

He said: “This is very sad news for the villages concerned. It calls into question the whole process of consultation, although it has to be said the Post Office has been working entirely to the orders of the Government. It is they who must take the blame for the decision.

Worcestershire County Councillor for Evesham south said closing Bengeworth’s branch was a ‘public disgrace’.

He said: “I feel greatly saddened by the course of events.”

A total of 54 post offices will close in Worcestershire, Herefordshire, and the West Midlands.