MP Iain Duncan Smith leads parliament debate over the proposed closure of South Woodford Post Office

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The battle to save the George Lane Post Office from closure continued this week with MP Iain Duncan Smith leading a debate in Parliament over the issue.


Woodford Green MP, Mr Duncan Smith has called on the Post Office to reconsider proposals to close the Crown branch in South Woodford, after the announcement of its closure in January,

Speaking in Westminster Hall on Tuesday afternoon, October 31, Mr Duncan Smith spoke about the false assurances he felt the Post Office gave to take on extra trade, after the closure of the Woodford post office on the High Road in 2008.

He said: “Less than ten years later, the whole area might be left without a post office.

“I am campaigning against the reassurances and assurance that the Post Office gave me, to show that it cannot be trusted at any time on these issues in any community.”

Ilford North MP, Wes Streeting spoke about the impact the closure might have on staff, as seen by the closure of the Crown post office on Barkingside High Street.

He said: “That premise remains vacant and is an eyesore on Barkingside High Street. Many of my Barkingside residents are concerned, and my constituents who use the post office on George Lane are also concerned about what the future holds for that part of the high street,” said Mr Streeting.

Mr Duncan Smith reminded MPs of a petition of 2000 signatures that was sent to the Post Office’s public consultation and the efforts of representatives of the Communication Workers Union to oppose the closure.

He added: “I know of no business that goes around reducing its outlets solely as a way of lowering its costs to the point at which it somehow breaks even.

“Why is it in business at all if its sole purpose is to make sure it has a few premises to do business from so that it can say it has managed to meet the challenge?”

Mr Duncan Smith called on the service to increase the banking options at the post office to ensure its long-term profitability by expanding its services and increasing its revenues.

[Lounge Lizard]

A parliamentary for every proposed Post Office closure and the Government won't get much else done.