News Release

27th September 2003

LICHFIELD AND BURNTWOOD POST OFFICES CLOSURE THREAT

The Post Office has accelerated its 3 year national programme of closing up to a third of all urban Post Offices and hopes to complete all closures by 2004. And now the Post Office will soon announce which, if any, of the 6 post offices in Lichfield and 4 in Burntwood will be earmarked for closure.

"Postwatch, the post office watchdog, emphasised the need for people to object to any proposed closures immediately they are announced", says Michael Fabricant following a meeting he had with Tony Stirrop and Steve Lax of Postwatch Midlands on Friday 26th September. "There is only a 6 week consultation period available once closures are announced and it is vital that objectors write within that period to Post Office headquarters copying their letters to Postwatch Midlands. Postwatch told me that because postmasters are offered generous terms if they are earmarked for closure, they themselves don't always object. So it is up to post office customers to make their views known. And if any Burntwood or Lichfield post offices are named for closure, and it is just possible that with the wide spread of post offices in the area none will be listed for closure, I would be interested to hear from any concerned constituents so that I can pass their views onto the appropriate authorities.

"But most importantly, in the event of any closures being announced, objectors should write immediately to Post Office Ltd (NCT), PO Box 2060, Watford WD18 8ZW and copy the letter to Richard Ward, Chairman, Postwatch Midlands, Friars Mill, Friars Terrace, Stafford ST17 4DX or email midlands@postwatch.co.uk", Michael adds.