Post Office petition delivered to Prime Minister (From Halesowen News)

Post Office petition delivered to Prime Minister

11:37am Monday 3rd November 2008 in News

A petition with thousands of names against the closure of two Halesowen Post Offices has been delivered to the Prime Minister Gordon Brown.

Halesowen and Rowley Regis Conservative Parliamentary candidate James Morris, who backed the campaign to save Hasbury Post Office, handed the 2,500 name document in to Downing Street on Friday October 31.

Campaigners were devastated at last week's news Post Offices on Hagley Road, Hasbury and Long Lane, Shell Corner, will get the chop as part of nationwide cuts.

James said: "I wanted to make sure Gordon Brown was made aware of the strength of feeling among Halesowen residents about these closures.

"They feel let down and betrayed by this Government.

"Their views have been completely ignored in a sham consultation."

Meanwhile Halesowen and Rowley Regis MP Sylvia Heal encouraged people to use their Post Offices to secure the future of branches left.

She said: “I recognise this will be devastating news for the staff at the two Sub Post Offices who have loyally served the Post Office and the community for a number of years.

"Their efficient and friendly service was recognised by the Post Office in their final analysis.

"This news will also be greeted by sadness by local people and businesses.

"Despite putting up a robust case, we have failed to convince the Post Office of the necessity to keep these branches open.

"The Government has used over £2 billion of tax payers' money to subsidise the Post Office in recent years.

"There are four million fewer customers using the Post Offices than in 2004, my message to constituents is - if you value your local Sub Post Office, it is important that you use it - otherwise you will lose it”