Save Our Post Offices Now

Shocking plans to shut seven of Hackney’s post offices have prompted a Council campaign to save them. Mayor Jules Pipe and councillors for the affected areas are calling on the Post Office to back down from a bid to close branches in parts of the borough.

He has been joined by representatives from local charities and community organisations who fear the proposals could spell misery for the elderly and disadvantaged.

Mayor Pipe said: “I was appalled when I saw what the Post Office was planning for Hackney. If they close, it will be a real blow to the people who need them most.”

Ramniklal Datta, a manager at one of the threatened branches in Wilton Way, said: “This post office has been here for 30 years and I’ve run it for the past 22 years.“

This is terrible news, especially for my elderly customers. I know all the customers and everyone is very upset.”

The threatened closures were revealed as part of a plan to shut 171 London post offices. It is feared that older people, disabled residents and those on low incomes will suffer most.

The Mayor added: “Post offices can provide a lifeline for older people, and for those who don’t have bank accounts or live near a bank. People who take money out at post office counters may now have to fall back on expensive ATMs that can charge as much as £2 for a cash withdrawal. “

The Post Office claims that no one will be more than a mile from their nearest post office, but that is a long way for many people.”

The Mayor’s stance has been backed by agencies that support vulnerable people in Hackney. Olexandra Stepaniuk, Chief Officer of Age Concern Hackney, said: “As a borough we should all be looking to improve conditions for older people in Hackney.“

Removing post offices will add to the burden that some of our most vulnerable citizens already have to bear. As such, Age Concern Hackney welcomes the approach of the Mayor in resisting the closure of these Post Office branches.”

John Gillies, CEO of Citizens Advice East London, added: “The CAB believes that local post offices are an essential service for local residents. We are opposed to further closures.”

The Post Office is consulting the public to find out how people feel about the proposed closures. Mayor Pipe encouraged residents to make their views known to the Post Office.

He said: “The Council intends to send a very detailed submission to the consultation explaining exactly how this could affect residents."

The more residents who get in touch with the Post Office, the better chance we have of saving at least some of these vital facilities.”

Have Your Say

Residents who want to support their local post office should send an E-Card to the Post Office.

Alternatively write to: Anita Turner, Network Development Manager, c/o National Consultation Team, Freepost Consultation Team. You do not need a stamp. Or email: consultation@postoffice.co.uk.

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Page updated: 14 Apr 2008