John Cameron

Manchester Liberal Democrats have condemned the announcement that two post offices in South Manchester are going to be closed despite a huge local effort to save them.

Despite a Lib Dem petition that gained the support of over 1,500 local residents, which John Leech MP presented in Parliament, and massive local opposition to the decision, it has been decided that both Ladybarn Post Office on Mauldeth Road and Parrs Wood Post Office on Wilmslow Road are to close.

Responding to the news of the closures, John Leech expressed anger and disbelief, stating that ‘it is shameful that Post Office Ltd and the Government have completely disregarded the views of local people and have decided to go ahead with the closures of Ladybarn and Parrs Wood post offices.’

‘It is devastating news for the subpostmasters and a real blow for the hundreds of local people who have made representations in the strongest terms possible to the consultation team, and supported the campaign to save the post offices. This decision will hit the most vulnerable the hardest, with the elderly being particularly badly affected. It is yet another blow to them under this government at a time of rocketing bills and increasing fuel poverty.’

Addressing the public consultation, he continued, ‘the whole idea of a public consultation should be that it offers a genuine chance for the people who will be affected by a decision to have their say in a constructive debate on the issue. Unfortunately, in this case the consultation has been farcical and one-sided with a real lack of feedback on the part of the consultation team. It appears that there was never any intention to reverse these closures, and that is absolutely appalling.’

 Councillor John Cameron added:

‘We knocked on hundreds of doors to collect petition signatures against these closures. We did not meet a single person who was in favour of the closures. Why have a consultation if people’s views are going to be ignored?

‘The Labour government have presided over these closures. The Labour-run City Council have twice refused by back our demands that they take meaningful action to save Manchester’s threatened Post Offices. Labour must now act or the effects on our loacal communities will be devastating.’