Post Office fight gathers momentum

2.00.00pm GMT Wed 28th May 2008

Amy Rodger, Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Candidate for East Lothian, has today welcomed a motion put forward by East Lothian Council calling on the Labour Government to stop the closure plan which threatens Post Offices across the County.

In a debate yesterday the Council agreed to fight against the post office closures which are due to be announced for East Lothian in August. While the motion was passed by the SNP/Lib Dem administration, the Labour council group led by Willie Innes voted against the motion while the Conservatives abstained.

Councillor Stuart Currie, Liberal Democrat representative for Preston/Seton/Gosford and Depute Council Leader, said "Over the years, vital services delivered across post office counters have been stripped away - such as benefit and pension payments, and TV licence renewal. The Government has had ample opportunity to suspend its Post Office closure programme, but our post offices are still under threat. This Council believes that Post Offices provide a lifeline for our communities. The motion spells out our commitment to fighting for their future in East Lothian."

Ms Rodger, who has been campaigning to save local post offices, holding rallies across the County, said "Coming on the back of our Labour MP voting against saving this vital local service back in March, the Labour Council groups refusal to support the Council motion just shows how out of touch they are. Over 600 residents of East Lothian have signed my petition supporting local post offices, and I will continue to put pressure on the Government to stop any further closures. I look forward to working closely with the council to this end."