MP's response to Post Office consultation makes the case for longer hours

12.00.00am UTC (GMT +0000) Tue 8th Jul 2008

Post offices service cuts in Gordon should be re-examined argued the Gordon MP Malcolm Bruce in his submission to the Post Office Consultation department today.

Over 100 people attended a meeting in Rhynie earlier this week and having listened to local residents concerns Mr Bruce tried to reflect the mood in Rhynie, Lumsden, Kennethmont and Collieston in his submission letter.

Commenting the Malcolm Bruce MP said:

"It was made abundantly clear at the public meeting I chaired earlier this week that this area faces unique challenges in accessing postal services, which the initial proposals have not taken into account. In my view, Rhynie residents made a very strong case for retaining a full-time service. Similarly, the Post Office needs to take into account that Lumsden's remoteness and vulnerability to severe weather means that the suggested level of service is inadequate.

"The proposals made by local communities deserve serious consideration by the Post Office. In my submission to the consultation process I have tried to underline the esteem in which local post offices are held, and the determination of the residents to keep them at the heart of their communities."

ENDS

Notes:

In his submission Mr Bruce highlighted the following key points that in his belief, warrants the case for more hours:

The offices serve a widely scattered rural area where people may live many miles out of the villages and which experiences severe winter weather, making roads dangerous and at times impassable.

The reduced hours may not accommodate the needs of groups and individuals who may have other unchangeable engagements to do with care for the elderly, child care or organised social activities.

A number of businesses in the area may be seriously disadvantaged by such a drastic reduction in post office hours.

The reduced hours may affect the viability of the local shops denied not only of revenue but suffering a reduced footfall and more reasons for their customers to travel out of the area and make purchases in neighbouring towns.

The provision by the outreach services of services not currently available at the local post office such as vehicle taxation, foreign currency and passport applications may create additional demand that cannot be accommodated within the limited hours offered

The service provider may have difficulty adhering to the proposed timetable if demand is uneven or greater than anticipated and this will be exacerbated in bad weather.