The news that Essex County Council is looking to save post offices is very positive. Post Offices are of vital importance for people living in rural areas, the elderly and the disabled. They provide valuable services and act as important centres that help to bring together communities. Anyone who doubts this and the passion felt by so many people on the subject should see the post bag I had when six were closed down in the Dover constituency last Christmas.
Most of these post offices were not in need of subsidy, even though Labour has stolen away much of their business in recent years. Much of the closure programme was about dumping what the Government considered to be a nuisance. Most can pay their way. What I hope we can see built with rural shop groups and local government working together is an organisation that will provide services - particularly financial services and bill payments - that local shops and former post offices across the country will be able to buy into. I very much hope local councils will look closely into the possibility and would be really interested in what people think can be done to help preserve these important parts of community fabric.
