Emotions run high over Post Office closure

4.32.00pm UTC (GMT +0000) Tue 15th Jul 2008

Horsforth ward councillors are deeply disappointed by the news that Post Office bosses have failed to reconsider plans to close the Station Road branch.

Cllr Brian Cleasby (Lib Dem, Horsforth) commented:

"Frankly, I am both saddened and angered. This post office is a lifeline for many Horsforth residents. I think this closure is a short-sighted decision and will leave many in the community without the vital services they require. Surely, when MPs voted for "the Modernisation of the Post Office", they knew it meant closures?"

Cllr Chris Townsley (Lib Dem, Horsforth) added:

"It was not too many years ago that we lost Woodside Post Office in Horsforth. I am disgusted that the Government is eroding community facilities in this way. The public consultation has been nothing but a sham - it has made no difference to the branches scheduled for closure".

Cllr Andrew Barker also voiced his disappointment:

"It is appalling that the opinions and needs of local residents have been ignored in this way. We will keep on protesting right up until the eleventh hour".

None of the 22 Leeds Post Offices scheduled for closure under the network changes programme have been saved.

Notes to the Editor:

For further information please contact: - Please do not give out numbers to the public

Cllr Brian Cleasby on 0113 2504318 (h)

Cllr Chris Townsley on 0113 2590555 (h)

Cllr Andrew Barker on: 0113 2591826 (h)

or Becky Heaviside on 0113 3951418 (o)

The views in this Press Release are those of the Liberal Democrat Council Group, and not necessarily those of Leeds City Council, its Officers or of the Liberal Democrat Party.