Delay axing of post offices call
THE Conservative Party was calling today for the suspension of the controversial closure of 2,500 post offices because of the "concern and unpopularity'' the plans have caused.
An opposition day debate in the Commons will highlight protests against the closures, which have included demonstrations across the Fylde, where 12 post offices are scheduled for closure, as well as legal moves to keep branches open.
Extent
Shadow business secretary Alan Duncan will urge Labour MPs to "put constituents above party politics'' by supporting calls to have the closures re-assessed.
The Conservatives said a number of Labour MPs and ministers had campaigned against branch closures in their own constituencies.
"We know which Labour ministers and MPs are against post office closures – we will see today the true extent of their conviction.
"It is all well and good Labour MPs issuing warm words but now we have a chance to act together to save our post offices. Their constituents would simply not understand how they could say one thing locally, and then not vote in support of saving their post offices when given the chance."
But the Conservative motion has had a cool reaction from Blackpool's Labour MPs.
Blackpool South MP Gordon Marsden said the motion would have no effect on the closure programme.
He said: "We have to look at the closures on a case by case basis – you cannot have a blanket motion like this. The Conservatives have got no alternative strategy at all.
"Both (Blackpool North MP) Joan Humble and myself have put detailed proposals to the Post Office and supported Coun Fred Jackson's proposal for to Blackpool Council should look at this issue of funding post offices locally."
The Gazette has presented post office bosses with a petition signed by 9,416 people calling for the 12 under-threat Fylde post offices to be saved.
Local post offices under the are at North Albert Street, Fleetwood, Victoria Road West, Cleveleys, Redbank Road, Bispham, Torsway Avenue, Layton, Harcourt Road, South Shore, Square Lane, Catforth, High Street, Elswick, Lodge Lane, Singleton, Warton Street, Lytham, Hardhorn Way, Poulton, Whin Lane, Out Rawcliffe and The Green, Churchtown.
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Weather for Blackpool
Sunday 12 February 2012
Today
Light rain
Temperature: 4 C to 6 C
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