MP demands action to save local post offices in House of Commons Debate

12.00.00am GMT Wed 22nd Mar 2006

Speaking in a debate in the House of Commons this afternoon local MP Tim Farron called upon the Government to save local post offices by giving post masters/mistresses a long term future.

Tim asked the Government to change its mind over its plans to scrap the Post Office Card Account in 2010 which would hit hard hundreds of pensioners and families in South Lakeland who currently claim pensions and benefits through the Post Office Card Account. Tim also raised in the debate the Governments failure to commit to the continuation of the Rural Post Office Support Grant beyond 2008.

Tim has been involved in efforts locally to save post offices under threat in villages such as Witherslack, Crosthwaite and Far Sawrey.

Tim commented: "At the same time that our communities are fighting hard to save local post offices, the Government is undermining our efforts by ending the Post Office Card Account. Post Offices need long term certainty and so do the communities they serve".