Post office petition delivered to Number 10

11.03.01am GMT Fri 9th Mar 2007

Local MP Tim Farron has delivered the petition against the government's plans to close post offices to the Prime Minister at Number 10 Downing Street. The petition had gathered the signatures of more than 5,000 constituents and was delivered in time for the closing date of the government's public consultation, which is tomorrow.

Millions of people up and down the country have signed similar petitions in an attempt to get the government to change their plans for the closure of thousands of local branches.

After delivering the petitions, Tim Farron said:

"I can only hope that the sheer number of people that have signed petitions such as this will persuade the government to think again. The local post office is at the heart of so many rural communities and the services they provide are invaluable.

"I hope the Prime Minister will take the time to digest these petitions and will come to understand the weight of public opinion against the proposed closures.

"In South Lakeland I am determined to continue working alongside local communities to protect our post offices, it would be helpful if Government could help us in this and not hinder us by proposing to close down thousands of branches."