LIB DEMS TOAST VICTORY IN POST OFFICE CAMPAIGN

12.05.00pm BST (GMT +0100) Wed 7th May 2008

Jubilant campaigners cracked open the bubbly this morning, as news came through that Essex Road Post Office is saved, for now.

The official Post Office Ltd announcement says "Public consultation has been held on a proposal to close Essex Road Crown Post Office in N1 but Post Office Ltd announced today it has been decided not to proceed with the closure of this branch at this time as discussions with a potential franchise partner are now underway. If these negotiations are successful there will be a six week consultation on a proposal to franchise this Post Office® branch."

Liberal Democrat Bridget Fox , who led the Save Essex Road Post Office campaign, said

"It's a triumph against the odds, and against the government, and a tribute to a great team effort. We made it very clear that we did not want Essex Road post office to close.

"I can't believe it's a year since we launched the petition with Jo Swinson MP; since then thousands of people have signed up to our campaign against the closure.

"We've had amazing support from local businesses, voluntary groups and the Council. This is a great victory for our community."

But there was sadness too, as the Post Office confirmed the closure of other branches, including two on Caledonian Road , plus Blackstock Road , Ferme Park Road and Highgate High Street . This is part of the Government-backed restructuring voted for by controversial Islington Labour MP Emily Thornberry.

Bridget commented "If more Labour MPs had followed Islington North MP Jeremy Corbyn's example and voted with the Lib Dems to save Post Offices, we might have got an even better result for Islington."