11:40am Wednesday 3rd September 2008
By Rachel Hickman
A BROCKMOOR councillor is urging residents to speak out about the proposed closure of its post office.
The Station Road facility acts as a lifeline to the many estates surrounding it, but could get the chop under controversial proposals to axe 2,500 branches across the country.
Plans to close the Post Office were announced last week as part of cost-cutting measure recommended by the Government.
The loss of the facility would force hundreds of residents to take a bus journey to nearby Post Offices in Brierley Hill or Pensnett.
Brockmoor and Pensnett councillor Judy Foster urged residents to make their views known about the proposed closure as a six week consultation period gets underway.
She said: “I would urge Brockmoor residents to make their views known. They should call Direct Enquiries on 01344 360101 to receive a copy of the consultation questionnaire.”
Dudley South MP Ian Pearson is also urging affected residents to make themselves heard.
He said: “Many of my constituents will be angered at these proposals, so I would urge them to let Post Office managers know how they feel about the threat to these vital services.”
Mark Partington, Post Office Ltd's Network Development Manager, said: “Taking the decision to close any post office branch is always very difficult, but we believe these proposals offer the best prospect for a sustainable way forward for post office services.”
Public consultation will be running until October 7.
To have your say write to Mark Partington, Network Development Manager, c/o National Consultation Team, Freepost Consultation Team or email consultation@postoffice.co.uk
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