POST OFFICE CLOSURES TO COME UNDER SCRUTINY

1.00.40pm GMT Wed 19th Mar 2008

A special meeting of Torbay Council's 'Overview and Scrutiny Board' has been called by Liberal Democrat Councillors Steve Darling and Jenny Faulkner and Brixham Independent Councillor Mike Morey to see what actions Torbay Council can take to support local post offices.

A public consultation by the post office is set to begin on May 20th regarding the closure of 50 sub post offices across Devon.

Representatives from Post Office Limited and Postwatch are being invited to the meeting to give a presentation about the post office closure process.

The Leader of the Liberal Democrat Group on Torbay Council Steve Darling said: "Post Offices are a vital part of our local communities and I hope that the Overview and Scrutiny Meeting can identify ways that Torbay Council can help keep some of our local post offices open."

The Liberal Democrat Councillor for Tormohun Jenny Faulkner said: "The town centre in Torquay and the shopping area in Torre are already suffering, so any post office closures would be devastating. Hopefully, as a result of this meeting, the Council can be at the forefront of trying to keep as many post offices open as possible."

Independent Councillor Mike Morey said: "Post offices are a vital community resource for many people, especially older people. Unfortunately, profit seems to be more important than community use. Anything the Council can do to help must be done."