Tonge Pleads for Friars Stil Post Office

4.38.47pm BST (GMT +0100) Mon 29th Sep 2003

Jenny Tonge MP for Richmond Park

Dr Jenny Tonge, Liberal Democrat MP for Richmond Park, has written to the Post Office pleading for a reprieve for the branch in Friars Stile Road, Richmond.

The MP was alerted to the proposed closure by a letter from the Post Office inviting her comments by the closing date for representations which is November 5th 2003.

The MP said: "This really is a closure too far. How on earth are the elderly on top of Richmond Hill supposed to manage without this branch? I have written to the Post Office, as I have about each proposed closure in my constituency. So far they have taken absolutely no notice, but this branch really is so badly needed I am hoping against hope we will prevail this time.

"I would advise everybody who is affected by this to write in straight away. Write to: Drew McBride, Head of Area, Post Office Ltd., PO Box 2060, Watford WD18 8ZW. I shall certainly be doing so and I will also be writing to Allan Leighton , the Post Office chairman."

ENDS

For further information please contact Serena Hennessy on: 020 8332 7919

Notes for Editors: Copy of PO letter attached

Drew McBride

Post Office Ltd.,

C/o National Consultation Team

PO Box 2060

Watford WD18 8ZW

29th September 2003

Dear Drew McBride

Re: Closure of Post Office branch in Friars Stile Road

I must protest in the strongest possible terms about the proposal to close the above branch.

This is a situation where the simple geographical proximity of other branches is not relevant. Richmond Hill is precisely that - a hill and a steep one. The community has a high proportion of elderly residents and a considerable amount of sheltered accommodation. There are also many families with small children.

To offer them 83 George Street and 90 Sheen Road as alternatives is simply not acceptable. The community needs this post office and it must stay open.

I am fully aware of the commercial realities behind this stream of branch closures, having spoken at length with TM Retail about other proposed closures in my constituency. But the Post Office does have a responsibility to the community which should transcend mere commercial interests.

Please reconsider and do not proceed with this closure.

Yours sincerely

Dr Jenny Tonge

Liberal Democrat MP for Richmond Park