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Consultation begins on Post Office closures
THE Post Office is beginning a six-week consultation on the proposed closure of 81 branches in the Tyne and Wear with Northumberland and Durham area.
This would leave in place 364 post offices serving the area, including 24 outreach' services.
Postwatch Northern England, the independent watchdog for postal services, has urged customers to take part in the consultation process by finding out more about the proposals and giving feedback.
In May 2007, the Government decided that Post Office Ltd, owing to mounting financial losses and falling customer numbers, should close up to 2,500 branches throughout the UK.
These closures will take place up to October 2008. Additionally, 500 replacement outreach' services, such as mobile post offices, will be opened.
"Postwatch has scrutinised and provided comments on Post Office Ltd's proposals for the area in advance of the public consultation," a spokesman said. "Our final view, however, will be informed by the responses customers give to Post Office Ltd over the course of the next six weeks. The deadline for responses is August 11, 2008."
Commenting, Judith Donovan CBE, Chair of Postwatch North, said: "Post office closures are not good news for customers, but the Government has decided that a significant number are necessary to help put in place a sustainable network for the long-term.
"Postwatch accepts the rationale for change. It is important that this happens in a way that minimises customer inconvenience and confusion. That means Post Office Ltd's decisions must be sensible and public consultation meaningful. Our priority is to ensure this is the case.
"Local information will be vital so that changes in the post office network take proper account of the particular needs and circumstances of communities. We therefore hope both households and businesses can provide feedback on proposals affecting their area."
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10:33am Tuesday 1st July 2008
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