PO Chickens Coming Home to Roost

9.07.10am UTC (GMT +0000) Wed 12th Dec 2007

"Three more West Berkshire villages are threatened with becoming lifeless dormitories, following the news that the Post office has decided to close the Post Offices in Chapel Row, Englefield and Hampstead Norreys", said Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Spokesperson, David Rendel, commenting on today's announcement by the Post Office.

"Only 18 months ago the shop at Chapel Row had to be saved by the local Council from closure by a "Vital Villages" grant to allow it to incorporate the Post Office into the business. This shows just how important Post Office revenue is to keeping village shops alive, and making it possible for people to remain living in small rural villages."

"The chickens which the last Conservative Government hatched, when they set in train the program of Post Office closures, are now flying home to roost.

This Labour government believes it can get away with closing Post Offices because any attempt by the Tories to object is just met with hollow laughter and cries of "Hypocrisy". Only the Liberal Democrats have a proud record of supporting village post offices and the vital role they play in maintaining the viability of rural villages. Post office supporters can sign up to our on-line petition at http://campaigns.libdems.org.uk/saveberkshirepostoffices "