CONSULTANTS working for the county council have written a 73-page report on proposed post office closures in Cheshire.
The document was sent to the Post Office’s network development manager in time for the consultation deadline yesterday.
Last month it was announced that 24 post offices, including the branch at Parkgate, were threatened with the axe and that six could receive an outreach provision.
The county council’s consultants carried out initial telephone discussions and followed this up with telephone surveys.
“According to the report there is a general but reluctant acceptance that the proposals will stand as is, once the consultation process is completed,” said Cheshire’s executive member for community and communications, Nora Dolphin.
“I have been very dissatisfied with the whole consultation process because it has proved to be meaningless – I do get the impression that the closures and cutbacks will go ahead, no matter what we say.
“This is deeply upsetting because so many people want to stop their post office from closing. It is such an important hub of a local community and in many cases, well used and is the very fabric of community life.”
According to the consultants, the proposed outreach post offices would only be open between 10 and six hours a week.
Cllr Dolphin added: “The document points out that under-investment in the Post Office network itself has contributed to the demise of business conducted and I believe that this must be a serious consideration.
“It also warns that if any post offices are saved, it is essential that the businesses are sustainable, otherwise future closures may not include a compensation package.
“It is up to us, the people of Cheshire, to support our local post offices and maintain pressure on the post office to keep our local offices open.”
