Press Release 7 August 2007

From Cllr Terry Hall

Conservative Group Spokesman for Corporate Resources, Taunton Deane Borough Council

 

Grave Concern Over Plans to Rationalise Post Offices in the Taunton Area

 

 

 

Cllr Hall said, I was horrified to learn that such a crucial service to our communities was going to be consolidated in such a manner. There is no doubt that a number of Post Offices in the Taunton Deane area are under specific threat and when the consultation takes place in 2008 it is vital that all local people make their voices heard”.

 

“The only glint of light is the offer to open outreach centres but I believe these are a rouse to get the plan through the consultation process. These facilities could never replace rural post offices.”

 

“We are not aware which facilities would be under threat but when you look at the accessibility criteria and the way they are speaking it will soon become quite clear to us all which Post Offices are potentially under threat.”

 

Editor Notes:

 

The following accessibility criteria will apply.

 

                                       Nationally                       99% within 3 miles

                                       Nationally                       90% within 1 mile

                                       Urban  Areas                   95% within 1 mile

                                       Urban  Deprived             99% within 1 mile

                                       Rural Areas                     95% within 3 miles

 

An Urban Area is defined as having a population of 10k or more everywhere else is Rural.

We are in the Bristol and Somerset Area and scheduled for consultation in 2008.

 

The Shadow Executive Councillor for Corporate Resources at Taunton Deane Borough Council, Councillor Terry Hall has expressed his grave concerns after being briefed on plans to rationalise the Post Offices in the region.

 

The rationalisation is as a result of the Post Office losing £4m per week and is required by the Government to get into profit by 2011. The Government have agreed funding of £1.7b over the next five years during which the restructuring will take place. The Post Office has introduced numerous new services over the last few years however this has failed to turn around their losses.

 

The plan is to close 2500 of the 14500 Post Offices nationally and create 500 outreach facilities e.g. visiting mobiles for remote areas. Closures will be conducted on a compulsory, but compensated basis, driven by a combination of access and other criteria.