Council angered by post office closures

Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council is appealing for members of the public to register their concerns with Post Office Ltd, who have earmarked three branches for closure in the borough.

The Post Office has begun consultation over closing:

• Marsden Road, Handside, WGC
• Roe Green Centre (in Balfours), Hatfield and
• 2 Salisbury Square, Hatfield

An additional post office on the Hertsmere border has been highlighted for closure, which will also have an effect on Welwyn Hatfield residents; this is 53 Church Road, Little Heath.

Council Leader, John Dean said: "Over the years, vital services delivered across post office counters have been stripped away – such as benefit and pension payments, and TV licence renewal.  The Government has had ample opportunity to suspend or review its Post Office closure programme, but has ducked the issue.

“Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council is opposed to any post office closures in the borough.  The three Post Offices listed provide a focal point for their communities and supply an invaluable service to more than 5,000 residents every week. 
“More than half of the people who use these post offices are retired and a quarter don’t drive, so this could have a huge effect on their ability to access services.”

Councillor Dean added: “Although a post office alternative may be within a mile of a closed branch, for an elderly person with walking difficulties this could take more than an hour to cover.  This erosion in the quality of service and accessibility is unacceptable.”

Welwyn Hatfield Council’s Executive Members will be asking all councillors to write to the Post Office to appeal against the closures, as well as encouraging the residents in their wards to register their concerns. 

The public consultation period lasts until 28 July 2008.

People wishing to comment on the closures can do so by:

Writing to: Gary Herbert, Network Development Manager c/o National Consultation Team Post Office Ltd Freepost Consultation team (no stamp required)
Emailing: consultation@postoffice.co.uk
Visiting: www.postoffice.co.uk
Or calling: 08457 22 33 44