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Seven post offices to close
THE closure of seven post office branches in Hillingdon has been condemned as "disgraceful" and "devastating" by the borough's MPs.
Following a six-week consultation, it was announced yesterday (Wednesday) that seven branches have been earmarked for closure, with some shutting as early as the beginning of June.
The branches which will be lost in the borough are: Bath Road, West Drayton; Cranford Parade, Hayes; Uxbridge Road, Hayes; High Street, Northwood; Station Parade, Ruislip; Moorfield Road, Cowley, and Uxbridge Common, Uxbridge.
Hillingdon's three MPs say there is a vital need to retain these branches in the borough.
In total, 155 branches across London will close.
Royal Mail bosses say fewer people are using the offices for traditional services, which can now be found elsewhere.
John Randall MP for Uxbridge, said: "I am extremely devastated about the announcement. I think that the sub postmasters, residents and politicians all put in valid reasons why they should not close.
"It is devastating for all the people who use the post offices.
"Regarding the two in my constituency, I know there are a lot of elderly people who rely on the services.
"If we are trying to regenerate the area then this is not the right move to make.
"I will be speaking with Hillingdon Council to see if something can be done locally."
John McDonnell, MP for Hayes and Harlington, said: "These closures are a disgraceful attack on our local post offices, which we value as local community assets.
"I have launched a national petition calling on the Government to radically change its policy direction."
Nick Hurd, MP for Ruislip and Northwood, said: "The Government claims to be in listening mode but it clearly is not.
"This is another example of a consultation which was a shambles.
"Both residents and local traders rely on the sub-post offices.
"The development of RAF West Ruislip means there will be a need for the Ruislip branch, with accommodation being built there. But yet the area's local post office is being closed down.
"I hope the council will do its best to save the post offices from closure."
Anita Turner, Post Office Ltd's network development manager for London, said: "These are difficult decisions which have not been taken lightly.
"We have considered very carefully all the comments made during the public consultation. We believe that the amended plan offers our customers in London the best prospect for a sustainable network in the future, bearing in mind the Government's minimum access criteria and the other factors the Government has asked us to consider."
11:08am Thursday 8th May 2008
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CommentPosted by: M. Sharp, Cowley on 5:02pm Fri 9 May 08
[bold]bold[/bold] Re: Moorfield Rd Post Office closure. Wot is the sense of this dyu think? There is ample parking for those of us who find it difficult to walk, it is central for us all, the people there are luvly too. Cowley High Rd PO remains open, WHY? U cant park and everyone would have to drive as it's too far to walk for me alone, and there are residents far worse off than me around here. Wot will they do when all the pensioners congregate at the same time waiting for it to open,as they do here, they will block off the High Rd!!! It's utter madness.
Re: Moorfield Rd Post Office closure. Wot is the sense of this dyu think? There is ample parking for those of us who find it difficult to walk, it is central for us all, the people there are luvly too. Cowley High Rd PO remains open, WHY? U cant park and everyone would have to drive as it's too far to walk for me alone, and there are residents far worse off than me around here. Wot will they do when all the pensioners congregate at the same time waiting for it to open,as they do here, they will block off the High Rd!!! It's utter madness.
Posted by: Richard Howard, West Ruislip on 7:03pm Sun 11 May 08
The closure of Station Parade, West Ruislip Post office is completely wrong. It is very well used and necessary to the local community and people travelling via the station. The impending development of the base will increase the requirement dramatically in the area. Post offices provide essential services and must remain.
The closure of Station Parade, West Ruislip Post office is completely wrong. It is very well used and necessary to the local community and people travelling via the station. The impending development of the base will increase the requirement dramatically in the area. Post offices provide essential services and must remain.
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