REDDITCH MP Chris Bloore took the campaign to save the town’s post office to Parliament today (Thursday), following its joint launch with the Standard last week.
Mr Bloore’s online petition and the paper copies at our offices in Church Green East have already gained around 250 signatures.
Speaking during Business Questions in the House of Commons, Mr Bloore said: “The leader will know tempers are frayed in Redditch right now because of the proposed closure of its post office.
“The Standard is leading the campaign to try and get the Post Office to change its mind.”
He added, when proposals like this were taken, the Post Office should be happy to meet the MP and campaign groups.
In response, the Leader of the House of Commons, Lucy Powell, said Mr Bloore should be standing steadfastly at the front of the campaign to save his local post office because these were vital services for constituencies like Redditch.
“I know the Post Office closely followed much of what I said in Business Questions last week so hopefully they have heard what he said today.
“The Post Office is in need of serious cultural change and it has not been fit for purpose for some time.
“And I don’t see the case for closing Crown Post Offices as part of that change.”
Former MP, Conservative Rachel Maclean, has also come out this week and said she backs Mr Bloore and the Standard’s campaign, adding the branch provided a vital services.
She said: “This must be an uncertain and stressful time for the Post Office’s hardworking and dedicated staff.
“I’m therefore fully supportive of the campaign to save Redditch Post Office.
“I hope all residents can come together to back efforts to fight the planned closure.
“We can all play our part by signing the petition and ensuring our voices are heard. I have and I would encourage everyone to do the same.”
The Post Office is currently looking at options for its wholly-owned branches across the UK and new plans could include alternative franchise arrangements where an operator, such as WHSmith or another third party, could take on the branches.
The branch at Threadneedle House, on Alcester Street, is one of more than 100 branches facing closure.
The strategic review, led by the Post Office’s new chairman Nigel Railton, is designed to overhaul how the organisation operates.
Visit chrisbloore.co.uk/saveredditchpostoffice to sign the petition online or visit our Redditch Standard office on Church Green to sign the paper copies.
