Don't KO our PO!

9.58.44am BST (GMT +0100) Thu 16th Sep 2004

"Appalling!" is how Bath's MP, Don Foster, described the news of proposals to close a raft of Post Offices in Bath.

Post Office Ltd. is launching a consultation with a view to closure of 6 branches in the city.

• Charles Street

• Whiteway

• Combe Down

• Bathwick Hill (already closed)

• Bathwick Road

• St. Andrews

Commenting Don said, "These closures would be a massive blow to the city, its communities and residents."

"I lay the blame for this terrible news firmly and directly at the door of the Government - their deliberate policies have meant that the trade for so many community Post Offices has been run down to an extent where closure becomes almost an inevitability."

"The Government talk about "sustainable communities," but that's just paying lip service, when they are actually encouraging people to ditch their pension book and receive benefits directly into bank accounts.

Local Councillor, Dine Romero (LD, Southdown) said, "The people in this community need their Post Office. The ones who will be affected the most are the older people and those with young children who can't necessarily get into town very easily.

"Post Office Ltd must be made to see how damaging this will be."

On Friday 17th September, Don will be launching the "Don't KO our PO" campaign outside Southdown Post Office, Whiteway at 10:30am.

Bath Liberal Democrats have also launched an online petition at http://www.savebathpostoffices.org.uk