And the Council's decision to pursue legal challenge against closures
The Mayor of London's commitment to support local authorities in their fight against the closure of 155 post offices as well as the decision to continue pursuing a legal challenge to the proposals has been welcomed by local Conservatives.
The Post Office last week announced its intention to shut 155 offices, including the sub Post Office on Chiswick High Road, meaning that in six years a total of 474 post offices will have closed in the capital.
All local boroughs have been campaigning against the plans, and some are looking into ways of housing post offices in libraries and other council buildings. Now Mayor Johnson has added his support to the fight against the closures.
Cllr Peter Thompson, leader of Hounslow Council, said, "I am delighted the Mayor of London has signalled his support for our campaign to stop the Post Office ripping the heart out of our local communities.
"These closures will have a devastating impact on people across the Hounslow. Not only will they hit the vulnerable members of our society who rely on post offices to get benefits and pay bills but they will also harm our local shops and businesses as well.
"If the Post Office thinks it is going to be able to close these offices without a fuss then it is sadly mistaken. With the boroughs and the Mayor working together we will be able to present a stronger case against these irresponsible plans."
Political opponents have accused the Conservatives of opportunism on the issue pointing out that they initiated the process of Post Office closures and presided over the shutting of over 3,500 branches.
May 23, 2008
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