Local post offices are vital for suburban areas too - Burstow

12.00.00pm UTC (GMT +0000) Mon 30th Oct 2006

Paul Burstow, MP for Sutton and Cheam, has today welcomed a report from the Trade and Industry Select Committee which outlines concerns for the future of the country's post office network.

The report is an important step in the growing national campaign to save the local post office. It expresses concern that the withdrawal of the post office card account would be disastrous for post offices on the margins of commercial viability. The Committee also calls for a "more explicit funding mechanism to be put in place" to safeguard the future of the post office network.

Mr Burstow has welcomed the Select Committee's support for the campaign of thousands of postmasters across the UK. He has also called on local people to take action. He encouraged Sutton residents concerned about the future of the post office to support a campaign being run by the Daily Telegraph by writing to Post Office Minister, Jim Fitzpatrick.

Commenting on the most recent developments, Paul Burstow MP said:

"This report shows that the local post office faces a clear and present danger."

"Post offices offer a crucial lifeline for many communities, not just those in villages and rural areas.

"It is important that all of us here in Sutton and Cheam take this opportunity to communicate the strength of our feelings to the government."