Save Dorset Post Offices: Dorset N

Bob has published the following press release

expressing his own views on Post Office Closures

BOB WALTER MP SPEAKS OUT IN SUPPORT OF RURAL POST OFFICES

Robert Walter MP (North Dorset) has demanded that the Government reassure vulnerable members of his constituency following a statement in the House that a large number of rural Post Offices face closure.

The Government have today announced plans to preside over the closure of a further 2500 sub-post offices. This could mean the closure many post offices across North Dorset.

The Government’s announcement is part of a wider spectrum of changes in recent years, which have threatened the survival of sub-post offices. The Government has seriously reduced the functions traditionally provided by post offices, including TV licences, driving licenses and a move towards direct payments of benefit and pensions with an automated credit-transfer policy. Most recently, the Government threatened to end the Post Office Card Account, a threat they back-pedalled on today, promising to continue the account post-2010.

The Secretary of State for Trade and Industry also announced today a five-year investment package of £1.7bn and local consultations on restructuring plans. As part of the restructuring, the Government propose setting up 500 outlets for small, remote communities such as mobile post offices and services based in village halls, community centres and pubs.

Altogether, since 1997 the Government will have been responsible for the closure of one third of the post office network.

Speaking at the Avonmouth Hotel to a meeting of The Christchurch Conservative Association today, Bob said:

“Today’s announcement is disappointing and wrong. The Government do not fully appreciate the vital social and economic role of sub-post offices in rural areas.”

Commenting specifically on the proposal to set-up 500 outlets for rural communities, Bob said:

“A mobile van is no substitute for a post office! The Government needs to allow sub-post office masters and mistresses’ greater freedom and flexibility to provide access to a wide range of services in rural areas.”

“This announcement will bring fear and anxiety to people, often the most vulnerable.It will destroy many good businesses in Dorset, simply because the Government does not have a long-term vision for the future of the Post Office network. The Government needs to recognise that if the local Post Office closes, often the last shop in the village closes as well, and a van for a couple of hours a week is no replacement for a Post Office open full time.

“This decision is based on how many Post Offices the Government think they can get away with closing, rather than on a real business case or on an understanding of what the consumers want and need. The Government’s aim appears to be to have fewer Post Offices, providing fewer services to fewer people.

“The Government's decision on the Post Office Card Account is welcome. Indeed it is what I have been calling for since the Government announced its intention to scrap it. It is important that the new POCA scheme is genuinely available to existing customers and that the application process is not made un-necessarily complex. I have been urging the Government for some time now to continue this account. I am concerned that the Post Office has to bid for this account and I wonder how many more post offices will be forced to shut if the Post Office is not successful.”

BOB WALTER MP THANKS NORTH DORSET POSTMEN AND WOMEN FOR A FIRST CLASS EFFORT

Robert Walter MP visited two Royal Mail delivery offices in his constituency on Friday 15th December to see for himself how postmen and women in the area get Christmas sorted.

Bob made an early start to be at Shaftesbury Delivery Office at 6.00 a.m. and then on to the Blandford Delivery Office at 7.00 a.m. He was met by Delivery Office Managers Jane Stone at Shaftesbury and Kevin Saunders at Blandford and some of the 59 postmen and women there who are responsible for ensuring the massive Christmas mailbag that will be delivered to over 19,000 addresses in North Dorset at Royal Mail’s busiest time of year.

North Dorset
Campaign lead by:
Bob Walter MP
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It's estimated that 8 of North Dorset's 45 sub post offices could close as a result of the Government's plans. In 1997 there were 53 sub post offices in this area. A list of Post Offices under threat in North Dorset will appear here as soon as they are announced.
Bob has published the following press release expressing his own views on Post Office Closures BOB WALTER MP SPEAKS OUT IN SUPPORT OF RURAL POST OFFICES Robert Walter MP (North Dorset) has demanded that the Government reassure vulnerable members of his constituency following a statement in the House that a large number of rural Post Offices face closure. The Government have today announced plans to preside over the closure of a further 2500 sub-post offices. This could mean the closure many post offices across North Dorset. The Government’s announcement is part of a wider spectrum of changes in recent years, which have threatened the survival of sub-post offices. The Government has seriously reduced the functions traditionally provided by post offices, including TV licences, driving licenses and a move towards direct payments of benefit and pensions with an automated credit-transfer policy. Most recently, the Government threatened to end the Post Office Card Account, a threat they back-pedalled on today, promising to continue the account post-2010. The Secretary of State for Trade and Industry also announced today a five-year investment package of £1.7bn and local consultations on restructuring plans. As part of the restructuring, the Government propose setting up 500 outlets for small, remote communities such as mobile post offices and services based in village halls, community centres and pubs. Altogether, since 1997 the Government will have been responsible for the closure of one third of the post office network. Speaking at the Avonmouth Hotel to a meeting of The Christchurch Conservative Association today, Bob said: “Today’s announcement is disappointing and wrong. The Government do not fully appreciate the vital social and economic role of sub-post offices in rural areas.” Commenting specifically on the proposal to set-up 500 outlets for rural communities, Bob said: “A mobile van is no substitute for a post office! The Government needs to allow sub-post office masters and mistresses’ greater freedom and flexibility to provide access to a wide range of services in rural areas.” “This announcement will bring fear and anxiety to people, often the most vulnerable.It will destroy many good businesses in Dorset, simply because the Government does not have a long-term vision for the future of the Post Office network. The Government needs to recognise that if the local Post Office closes, often the last shop in the village closes as well, and a van for a couple of hours a week is no replacement for a Post Office open full time. “This decision is based on how many Post Offices the Government think they can get away with closing, rather than on a real business case or on an understanding of what the consumers want and need. The Government’s aim appears to be to have fewer Post Offices, providing fewer services to fewer people. “The Government's decision on the Post Office Card Account is welcome. Indeed it is what I have been calling for since the Government announced its intention to scrap it. It is important that the new POCA scheme is genuinely available to existing customers and that the application process is not made un-necessarily complex. I have been urging the Government for some time now to continue this account. I am concerned that the Post Office has to bid for this account and I wonder how many more post offices will be forced to shut if the Post Office is not successful.” BOB WALTER MP THANKS NORTH DORSET POSTMEN AND WOMEN FOR A FIRST CLASS EFFORT Robert Walter MP visited two Royal Mail delivery offices in his constituency on Friday 15th December to see for himself how postmen and women in the area get Christmas sorted. Bob made an early start to be at Shaftesbury Delivery Office at 6.00 a.m. and then on to the Blandford Delivery Office at 7.00 a.m. He was met by Delivery Office Managers Jane Stone at Shaftesbury and Kevin Saunders at Blandford and some of the 59 postmen and women there who are responsible for ensuring the massive Christmas mailbag that will be delivered to over 19,000 addresses in North Dorset at Royal Mail’s busiest time of year.
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