The government has been asked to rethink the programme of post office closures - just as it has done on 10p and fuel taxes.Members of North Norfolk District Council made the call after a debate in which the controversial closures were called cynical and disgraceful.
The government has been asked to rethink the programme of post office closures - just as it has done on 10p and fuel taxes.
Members of North Norfolk District Council made the call after a debate in which the controversial closures were called cynical and disgraceful.
Motion proposer Eric Seward said people attending protest rallies and public meetings could not understand why branches, including ones which had increased their business and improved facilities, were earmarked for closure.
Although Post Office Limited was actioning the proposed cuts, they were “financially and government-driven, said Mr Seward.
“We ask the government to think again. If they can do it with the 10p tax rate and fuel tax, why not with the post offices too?” he asked.
Clive Stockton said the government was “the epitome of dog in the manger” saying it had to close post offices to save money, but preventing branches from competing with services.
“It is manipulative, nonsense, and a cynical way to achieve its ends,” he added.
The council agreed to demand the government rescinded its call for post office closures, which would hit the vitality and sustainability of villages which had already lost many facilities.
Meanwhile a A protest song recorded in a bid to save East Runton Post Office from being axed has received a warm response from campaigners across the country fighting to save their local branches.
Andreas Yiasimi released his single, Dad's Army, last week to raise awareness of the campaign to save East Runton Post Office from closure.
Since its release on the web the song has received airplay on local radio stations and the website set up to distribute it has had hundreds of hits.
The East Runton branch is one of 69 across Norfolk and West Suffolk which have been earmarked for closure by Post Office Ltd.
*The consultation on Post Office Ltd's proposals ended on Monday.
*To listen to the Dad's Army song go to www.myspace.com/eastrunton
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