Post office closures could sound the “death knell” for some areas of Shropshire, it was claimed today.
The warning came from county Euro MP Liz Lynne as anger continued to build over Post Office plans to close 28 branches across Shropshire.
“The closing of local services anywhere will inconvenience people,” said the Lib Dem.
“But the removal of post offices from a sparsely populated county like Shropshire could literally be the death knell for some communities.
“Many Shropshire post offices are in rural areas and the majority of those are combined with a village shop. Without the post office counter to keep them going, these shops may also be forced to close.”
She added: “Local people must make sure their voice is heard and sign petitions where possible.”
The view was echoed by Elizabeth Yeomans, leader of Bridgnorth District Council. She said: “I urge everyone to make sure their views are made known.”
She was also critical of the amount of time alternative “outreach” services would be available to customers, saying it would be inadequate.
Meanwhile Shropshire county councillors are preparing to meet senior Post Office managers at the Shirehall tomorrow.
They will be pressing the case for branches to be kept open and highlighting the hardship closures are likely to cause vulnerable people.
Council leader Malcolm Pate said: “We will be seeking to protect post offices threatened with closure and will put Shropshire’s case very strongly to the Post Office. We will do everything we can to support communities affected.”
The closure threat will also be debated by the full county council on Friday.
It will consider a motion that it follow the example of Essex, where its county council is proposing to take over the running of 15 post offices for the next three year and has earmarked £1.5 for the scheme.
A consultation is under way and residents have until June 9 to air their views.
One of the post offices facing closure in south Shropshire is Aston on Clun. The shop where it is based and adjacent garage will be unaffected.
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