STUNELL NOMINATES CLOSED POST OFFICES FOR ROYAL MAIL AWARD

3.32.00pm BST (GMT +0100) Wed 15th Apr 2009

Andrew Stunell and the Liberal Democrats have nominated all the Post Offices that have closed in Stockport for the Post Office of the Year Award

Hazel Grove MP Andrew Stunell and the Liberal Democrats have launched a campaign to celebrate the local Post Office by nominating all the post offices that have been earmarked for closure - including those in Stockport - for the Royal Mail's Best Post Office Award.

As an act of protest against the hundreds of post offices that have already been forced to close, the Liberal Democrats have written to Royal Mail nominating every single Post Office earmarked for closure for the award.

Mr Stunell and his colleagues have also backed a parliamentary motion condemning the closure of hundreds of Post Offices up and down the country and has called on his fellow MPs to nominate any closed Post Offices in their constituencies for the award.

Commenting, Andrew Stunell said:

"By nominating all the closed post offices in Stockport for the Best Post Office Award, we're recognising the huge contribution that the Post Office makes within the local community. But we're also highlighting the complete disregard that Post Office Ltd has shown to British public by robbing them of this vital public service.

"Post offices are the heart of a community, yet Royal Mail has shut down eleven post offices in the town in the last year despite public protest. They provide services and a social meeting point for residents, especially for those who may find it difficult to get to other areas, and are used to pay over 360 million household bills.

"Post Office Ltd needs to understand that each decision to close a Post Office has repercussions which are felt by the entire local community, and I intend to fight hard to keep our remaining branches open."

ENDS