Theresa May has pledged to fight plans to shut six post offices in the Maidenhead constituency.
Theresa said, “I am astounded at this announcement by the Post Office. It is a real kick in the teeth to all those people who rely on their local post office. What’s more, Maidenhead is set to suffer more than many surrounding areas with four closures in the town and another two in the rest of the constituency. What have they got against Maidenhead? Over the years I have fought successfully against Post Office closures and will fight hard against these latest plans. A local Post Office can be a lifeline for many elderly people. Doesn’t the Post Office understand that? I urge everyone who feels strongly about their Post Office to tell me and Royal Mail why it needs to stay open. Let’s make sure Maidenhead’s voice is heard”.
There are six post offices under threat in the Maidenhead area. In Maidenhead the Post Offices in Wooton Way, Bridge Road, Cookham Road and Norfolk Park are under threat. The Post Office in Knowl Hill is also under threat, as is the Post Office on the High Street in Wargrave.
On average, 20 per cent of Post Offices are under threat nationwide. Closing six out of 19 Post Offices in Maidenhead would mean that Maidenhead would be losing 31.6 per cent of its Post Offices, 11.6 per cent above the national average.
The public consultation will last for six weeks from 29 January to 11 March. All branches will display posters and those that are likely to be affected by the proposals in the Area Plan will also provide leaflets giving information about proposed changes for the branch.
The Post Office Ltd also has a copy of the Area plan proposal available on its website at www.postoffice.co.uk/network change. Members of the public responding to the public consultation must be able to outline constructive reasons as to why their Post Office should stay open. To respond in writing to the consultation, people should write to Gary Herbert, Network Development Manager, C/o National Consultation Team, FREEPOST CONSULTATION TEAM, or email [email protected].
When submitting to the consultation, it would be very useful if local people forwarded their submission to Theresa as well, so that she can assess the amount of local feeling about each branch.
