| David Lammy MP leads fight to keep our local post offices open. |
| Tuesday, 19 February 2008 |
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Earlier, David Lammy reacted angrily to the announcement that two of Tottenham’s post office branches were at risk of closure.
Responding to the Post Office’s closure plans published today David said:
“I am saddened to have it confirmed today that two of Tottenham’s post offices are now at risk. The branches in West Green Road and Broad Lane are highly valued by the community and are well served by public transport. They provide a real focal point for local residents and businesses.
“Post offices play an important part in the social and economic life of all communities. This is especially true in Tottenham where the levels of deprivation and poor access to financial services can be particularly high.
“I am deeply concerned that when we are working hard to try and regenerate areas like West Green and Tottenham Green valuable resources like the local post office, which brings people into an area, can suddenly be removed after only the briefest consultation. I hardly think that six weeks is long enough to have a meaningful dialogue with the community about these changes.
“During this period of consultation which runs until 2nd April I will be making strong representations to Post Office and encourage anyone worried about the impact of losing these local post offices to do the same.”
In fighting for these post offices, David is joining forces with local Councillors and Haringey’s Assembly Member Joanne McCartney to oppose these plans.
Haringey Leader Councillor George Meehan said:
“I can not in good conscience support these plans. Post offices are a vital community resource as well as being a place where people can gather together. Post offices have a vital place in the social fabric of our communities, Haringey Labour will fight to make sure this is retained."
Joanne McCartney added:
“I am extremely disappointed at these proposals. The post office network plays vital role in the social and economic wellbeing of local communities, and I feel very strongly that this must be protected.
“I am especially concerned that access criteria designed to protect vulnerable customers in remote or deprived urban areas has been raised from ½ mile to a mile – I led a London Assembly Health and Public Services Committee investigation into the future of post offices and made it clear to the government that the current access criteria should remain in place.”
To enable local residents to have their say David has set up an online survey asking people to tell him what they think about the Post Office’s plans.
David added.
"I have written to the affected branches and local residents asking them to join my campaign, but I still need your support. I hope that many more people in Tottenham will join me in opposing these plans by taking part in my survey. I will be using the results in my representations to the Post Office.
“Nearly four years ago I was fighting to save post offices in Lordship Lane, Park Lane, Philip Lane and Gorleston Road and after six months of hard campaigning we as a community succeeded in saving the Park Lane Branch. I firmly believe that if the community again works together this time we can save these important local branches.
To take part in David’s campaign to save Tottenham’s post offices please click on the link below.
Please click here to read more about David's 2004 campaign to save Tottenham's Post Offices.
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