For Immediate Release: October 7, 2003
In response to recent announcements of possible Post Office closures in the borough of Hounslow, both local MPs have vowed to raise with the Post Office local concerns to safeguard local Post Office services.
The proposed changes are part of a systematic programme of closures and restructuring in the face of what the Post Office has identified in the proposal papers as “increasing running costs, falling customer numbers and increased customer choice” as more and more local people have chosen for direct payments into their bank accounts.
Following the notice of proposed closures of Post Offices in the Feltham and Heston constituency Alan Keen MP has expressed his concerns and those of constituents who are opposed to the proposed changes. Commenting he said,
“Some areas will be left without a Post Office service anywhere near them, and this will create a lot of difficulties for local residents and especially the elderly. A large part of Hanworth will not have Post Office provision if the Saxon Avenue and Clifton Parade offices close. Cranford could also lose its branch leaving people to walk over a mile to find an alternative.”
Ann Keen, MP for Brentford and Isleworth said
"These proposed closures seem to be excessive for an area like Hounslow. While I have acknowledged the need for change in the past and everyone understands why the service has to modernise, the scale of the possible closures go too far. I hope local residents will join me in making their views known to the Post Office before the deadline for representations on 11th November.”
Alan and Ann Keen are encouraging local people to oppose the proposed closures and are supporting community groups and council representatives in opposing the closures.
Ends.
For further information contact David Keen or Tim Green on 0207 219 2819