Bristol South Labour Party

Working hard all year round for South Bristol

Concern at Post Office Closures

Dawn has expressed concern at Post Office Limited's proposal to close post offices in Bedminster Road and Chessel Street.

Dawn has written to Post Office Ltd to tell them she will be objecting to their plans and her office has also been in touch with the Subpostmaster at Chessel Street and the Subpostmistress at Bedminster Road to ask for their views on this important matter.

Commenting on the proposals, Dawn said:

"Both Bedminster Road and The Chessels are busy post offices and provide an invaluable service to our communities. I will be asking residents for their comments on the proposals – as well as encouraging them to respond to the consultation. I know that local Labour councillors share my concern and will be making similar objections. What we need to do now is look very carefully at the proposals and show the Post Office why these two branches do not meet their criteria for closure.

It is the case that advances in technology mean that the current Post Office network needs to change. We’re now seeing eight out of ten older people having their pensions paid directly into their bank account, for example. But Post Office branches do provide a vital service, particularly to older members of our communities, and we need to ensure that the network in Bristol South ensures that the principle of easy access to all is continued. I do not think that these proposals do that, and would like to encourage any residents who have concerns to respond to the consultation or, alternatively, to contact me direct so that I can pass on their views."