WALTHAM FOREST: Leaders bury the hatchet over post office closures (From East London and West Essex Guardian Series)

WALTHAM FOREST: Leaders bury the hatchet over post office closures

3:15pm Friday 7th March 2008

• Print
• Email
• Share

THE leaders of the three political groups on Waltham Forest Council are insisting they are standing together against post office closures, despite a recent row.

Council leader Clyde Loakes, was accused of "breathtaking hypocrisy" by his coalition partner Lib Dem leader Keith Rayner, for speaking out against the plans to close six branches in the borough.

Cllr Rayner said that Labour tried to vote down a motion calling for an end to a post office closure programme in 2003.

Cllr Loakes hit back saying that everybody should concentrate on saving the post offices, while Conservative group leader Matt Daviis said that Cllr Rayner was guilty of greater hypocrisy for continuing to support the Labour group while criticising it.

But the three leaders are now apparently uniting against the planned closures.

In a joint statement, the three councillors said: "We all think that local Post Office services are vital to everyone in Waltham Forest.

"We condemn Post Office Ltd plans to close six of the borough's 21 post offices, which will put an unnecessary strain on residents and other post office branches.

"Local people in Waltham Forest should be able to have their say on this important issue and we encourage everyone to back the council's campaign to save our post offices."

Three Walthamstow post offices have been listed for the axe, in Orford Road, Chingford Road and Forest Road.

The branches in Grove Green Road, Leytonstone, Hall Lane, Chingford and Leyton High Road are also on the list.

People have until April 2 to register their opposition to the proposals.

To have your say visit postoffice.co.uk/networkchange or write to Post Office Ltd, C/O National Consultation Team,. Freeprost Consultation Team

• Print
• Email
• Share