Lib Dems slam 'no show' post office bosses

3.57.38pm BST (GMT +0100) Tue 3rd Aug 2004

Liberal Democrats on Islington Council have attacked the decision by Post Office bosses not to meet the public this week to explain moves to close three post offices in south Islington.

Post Office chiefs had been invited to face the public at two council-organised meetings of South and West Area Committees. They declined to attend and have instead only offered to meet councillors in private to discuss residents' concerns.

Hundreds of Islington residents packed the area committee meetings last night showing just how strongly local people about the Post Office's plans. Hundreds of people have signed the Liberal Democrat petition against the closures after thousands of leaflets were delivered at the weekend.

Liberal Democrat councillor Bridget Fox, said:

"The Post Office's idea of consultation is like talking to a brick wall.

"First they close two local post offices last year despite local opposition. Then they come to us with a list of three more closures some of which are based purely on which postmasters want to take the cash and run. Now they are refusing to talk to the public.

"The whole way the Post Office has gone about consulting on its closure programme will only make people think it's a sham. We must make sure that Post Office bosses hear Islington's voice loud and clear. Everyone who is opposed to these closures must sign the petition today."