Third of Local Post Offices under threat

12.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Thu 22nd Aug 2002

New figures uncovered by the Liberal Democrats show the precarious state of the Urban Network, with Islington loosing a third of all post offices branches. Commenting on these figures, which illustrate the extent of post office closures in Islington, Cllr Laura Willoughby, Executive Member for Communities, said: "Re-invention appears to be a complete fantasy. The Post Office network forms the hub of the local community - in some areas they are the only remaining retail outlet and must be protected." Cllr Willoughby added, "These figures clearly show the potentially devastating impact that the reinvention programme could have on local communities" "For some people, these changes will be a huge inconvenience, but for many others the implications of having to open and operate a bank account will create massive problems. According to the evidence provided by the FSA consumer panel on financial exclusion, banks provide a very poor service to people on low incomes and those who have had problems with debt." "In fact, the needs of the most vulnerable groups are not being addressed in the decision making process at all." Both Islington South and Finsbury and Islington North have 14 branches - 28 in total - eight of those are due to close.