MONMOUTH MP David Davies has added his support to the fight to save rural Post Offices.
Mr Davies spoke out following yesterday’s mass lobby at the Houses of Parliament and the presentation of a petition to 10 Downing Street signed by a record four million people.
Speaking from Westminster, Mr Davies said: “This campaign has my full and unreserved backing. It is outrageous that local Post Offices are constantly under the threat of closure despite the fact that they act as a lifeline for thousands of people across the UK.
“It is clear that a vast number of people agree that the Government should be looking at ways to save Post Offices yet it seems they are hell-bent on withdrawing support and forcing the closure of as many as six thousand outlets over the coming years. I am deeply disturbed that the Post Office Card Accounts, which give thousands of elderly and infirm people easy local access to their money, are being summarily scrapped and have no doubt that this will have grave effects on the long term viability of many branches, including those in Monmouthshire.
“Rather than reducing services, the Government should be looking at expanding the role of the Post Office in the local community. They must consider the repercussions that will be felt across villages and towns if people are unable to have easy access to the numerous facilities that rural Post Office branches offer.
“While I did not meet any Post Office employees during the lobby, I have spoken with many in Monmouthshire and understand and sympathise with the sense of uncertainty they feel over their futures. This is unacceptable and must end.
“It is absolutely inconceivable that the Government can ignore a petition signed by four million people and I can only hope that they will be looking to save our Post Offices and save our communities rather than pulling the plug and then hanging them out to dry”.