KIRKHILL POST OFFICE SINGLED OUT FOR CLOSURE

7.46.00pm BST (GMT +0100) Tue 1st Jul 2008

The St Mary's Field Post Office on Kirkhill has been earmarked for closure in the latest phase of the Post Office's review programme announced on 1st July.

In March with the headline "Post offices across our area are under threat" FOCUS reported that the review of Post Offices which had already caused huge anxiety in other areas was due to hit Northumberland this Summer and that many small Post Offices, such as those in Stobhill, Kirkhill and Pegswood would be under the threat. Now we have heard that it is the Kirkhill branch that has been singled out for closure.

Post Offices are vital local facilities that we once took for granted but a total of 2500 across the Country are being axed under this review which has been forced by New Labour's privatisation of the Post Office. The Lib Dems have been vigorously opposing the closure of our post offices.

The Post Office's main argument for closing St Mary's Field Post Office seems to be the proximity of the main Morpeth post office, but back in February we reported that the Co-op has given notice to cease running Back Riggs Post Office at the end of 2008. Morpeth will not have a main post office unless a new partner can be found to take over from the Co-op in suitable alternative premises. NO SUCH PARTNER HAS YET BEEN FOUND.

The Post Office is to run a local public consultation on the proposed closure that will last for six weeks. The closing date for feedback is 11 August. Views and comments can be sent in writing (Freepost - no stamp needed) to : -

Adrian Wales

Network Development Manager

C/o National Consultation Team

FREEPOST CONSULTATION TEAM

Mark them 'In Confidence' if you want to keep your comments confidential.

There is also an e-mail: consultation@postoffice.co.uk (This e-mail address would appear only to receive comments. An automated response will be sent. You are unlikely to get any other reply)

A Customer Helpline is given (08457 22 33 44) - BUT PLEASE NOTE: This number takes you into the Post Office options system and when you do eventually get through to a human being they can only provide information from the list of proposed closures and NOTHING ELSE. They will not put you through to the Review Team.

THERE IS A PETITION AGAINST THIS CLOSURE - You can add your signature by calling in to St Mary's Field Post Office. If you can't get along to the post office you can sign the petition on this website - follow the link under 'Home Page'.