MP calls for moratorium on post office closures

3.00.00pm BST (GMT +0100) Tue 16th Oct 2007

Local MP Tim Farron has today tabled a Commons motion protesting against the Government's intention to press ahead with the plans to close up to 2,500 local post office branches, many of which will be in Tim's constituency. The motion calls on the Prime Minister to put a stop to plans until the Sustainable Communities Bill, backed by the Liberal Democrats from day one, comes into effect.

The Sustainable Communities Bill, if enacted, would empower local communities to make decisions based on local factors, rather than having plans foisted upon them by central Government.

Tim Farron said:

"The long-running battle against the plans to close post offices continues. The cost-cutting measure of closing thousands of local post offices would rip the heart out of many small communities, we simply can't allow that to happen.

"I have tabled this motion in the hope that the Government will sit up and take note of the strength of feeling that exists against the plans. The Sustainable Communities Bill is a well drafted and well supported piece of legislation, and would give local communities - not Whitehall bureaucrats - the final say."