Don't save my Post Office

[TrueBlueTerrier]

I'm Loosing Money Let me Close

Mar 14 2008



A postmaster is campaigning to have his business CLOSED to halt spiralling debts.

Thousands of people have signed petitions and are campaigning against the closure of 169 post offices by Royal Mail including the branch in East Street, Walworth.

He wants the group fighting to save his office to stop - and describes the politicians who have joined the campaign, including Southwark councillor Caroline Pidgeon, as 'hypocrites'.

The postmaster, whose shop does not include any other side businesses, has tried to get an ATM machine installed to create more revenue but was turned down by Southwark council after police said the area was a robbery hot spot.

He said increases in business rates and rents by the council had made things worse.

Last year,council bosses spent a £3million Local Authority Business Grant Initiative from the Government on filling reserves rather than providing rent relief for small businesses.

Mr Valera said: "I think these politicians are hypocrites who are shedding tears at one moment and restricting my business at another.

"I want my business closed because I'm tied to the landlord and the council and running at a £27,000 loss.

"If the council wants me open to provide a social service then they should subsidise me. I always have a queue in my shop,but can't make any money."

Cllr Pidgeon said: "I have spoken to other businesses in the area who would be keen to explore taking on the post office should the postmaster at East Street decide he does not want to continue. I am committed to finding ways of helping our post offices,and at a London-wide level there may well be a case for reviewing the level of business rates that all post office branches are subject to."

Pensioner Stan Hardy, who is campaigning to save Melbourne Grove Post Office in East Dulwich, said Southwark council could run the East Street branch.

Essex County Council announced last week that it would be taking over several post offices that faced the axe.

Mr Hardy said: "This is a very unfortunate case and it doesn't sound economically viable.

"This is an area that's already facing problems and I hope the council and market traders get together to see what they could do on taking it over."

Lib Dem parliamentary candidate for Streatham Chris Nicholson, who has been campaigning to save post offices in Lambeth, said the council should consider taking over branches under threat.

A spokeswoman for Royal Mail said it could no longer afford to subsidise Mr Valera's post office.

She said: "We are very willing to work with local authorities and other groups who want to fund and provide premises and staff for additional services in their community."

A council spokesman said: "We will make a formal response to the consultation process and are currently considering a number of options to help local post offices stay open.

"The East Street post office is a private business and the council is not in a position to subsidise private businesses."