1:58pm Wednesday 20th February 2008
By Guardian-series
THE announcement of a new round of Post Office closures has provoked anger among Waltham Forest's Liberal Democrats.
Six of the borough's Post Offices have been earmarked for closure as part of a London-wide programme announced earlier this week.
New Leyton councillor Winnie Smith is urging local residents to make their feelings known.
Cllr Smith said: "The loss of such vital community facilities is simply unacceptable.
"Local Post Offices provide a valued service to some of my most vulnerable residents, such as those with mobility issues.
"Under this programme of cuts, one-fifth of London's Post Office network is likely to closed.
Forest ward councillor Farooq Qureshi criticised the Government's role in the closures.
"It is misleading for the Government to suggest that there is simply no longer a natural business case for local Post Offices.
"The same Labour Government have played a major role in transferring traditional services away from the Post Office counter, often against customers' wishes.
"Post Offices provide more than just a single business - they often act as the lycnhpin in areas where there are other small shops.
"Such local facilities provide the glue which binds many local communities together."
Walthamstow alone is set to lose three outlets, while others are nominated for closure in Hall Lane, Chingford, High Road, Leyton, and Grove Green Road, Leytonstone.
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