Consultation opened over plans to close post offices

10:58am Tuesday 22nd January 2008

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A six week public consultation has started today as part of plans to close seven Preston post offices and one in Leyland.

Last year the Government announced a review which could see the closure of 2,500 branches across the country.

At that time the Government said the cuts were needed because the business was making millions of pounds in losses each week.

Richard Lynds, Post Office Ltd's Network development manager for the North West, said: "Taking the decision to close any Post Office branch is always very difficult and we know it will cause concern to many of our customers.

"We want to ensure that everyone who uses, relies on, or has any concern with Post Office services is both fully aware of the proposed changes and able to give views on them.

"Post Office Ltd's aim is to continue to provide essential services and support retail businesses and the local economy in as many communities as possible, subject to the minimum access set by the Government.

"Rural parts of Lancashire, Fylde and Southport, where 33 per cent of the population live, would be served by a total of 109 branches.

"Urban areas would be served by 160 post offices.

"A total of 46 branches will specifically serve communities defined as deprived, supporting the Government's focus on the provision of services in these locations.

"We believe these proposals offer the best prospect for a sustainable way forward for Post Office services in this area, bearing in mind the minimum access criteria and the other factors we have to take into account."

The following post offices are earmarked for closure:

• Acregate Lane, 2 Ribbleton Avenue, Preston
• Deepdale Road, 209 Deepdale Road, Preston
• Manchester Road, 186 Selbourne Street, Preston
• Moor Nook, 50 Pope Lane, Ribbleton, Preston
• Bent Lane, 63 Bent Lane, Leyland
• Hutton, Village Store, 167 Liverpool Road, Hutton, Preston
• Much Hoole, 2 Smithy Lane, Much Hoole, Preston
• 4 St James Terrace, Samlesbury, Preston.

Customers have until March 3, 2008, to have their say.

For further information on the Post Office proposals email consultation@postoffice.co.uk or click the link below.

Alternatively call 08457 22 33 44.