IS YOUR LOCAL POST OFFICE UNDER THREAT

In the March issue of the Hardres-Stelling news, Parish Councilor John Worthy published the following letter:-

In the past four years some 3000 post offices have closed largely as a result of the scrapping of old style benefits books and an urban closure programme. But this number will pale into insignificance compared with what will happen when the Government withdraws its £150 million annual subsidy to rural branches. The withdrawal of the Post Office card account confirmed in January will also hit hard. About four million people whom use the account to obtain cash will be forced to have their benefits paid direct into Bank accounts. The loss of the Post Office in Stelling Minnis and possibly Lyminge and Bridge, with all the other facilities provided, will mean a round journey of 16 mile to Canterbury with all the knock on effects (Road Congestion, Parking etc). As for the elderly how will they survive. We could in turn lose our local shop which provides so many of our daily needs. (Papers, Milk Bread etc). The list goes on. Local Businesses also use the Post Office as do other villages - Elmsted, Hastingleigh and Bossingham.

This will be discussed at the next Stelling Minnis Parish Council meeting on Wednesday 1st March 7.30 at the Stelling Minnis village hall. The Chairman Mr David Stuart has advised that he will raise the matter at the AGM of The Kent Association of Parish Councils with a request for action by the National Association.

We shall also look for other avenues to raise this subject with a view to securing the future of the Post Office in our village.

The whole question is being raised at a National level, but what can individuals do?

Visit the National Association of Sub Postmasters web site - the following link will take you to a section they have running on MPs signed up to support their propsal for a Parliamentary debate on the matter - http://www.nfsp.org.uk/latest_news.asp

If the post office goes - then the shop may well go as well. Use both (or loose them).

Kent is one of the first areas in the country to undergo a government led review of the post office network aimed at finding savings through closures. Kent County Council is very concerned about the impact these closures will have and has launched a campaign to support Kent's post office network. A consultation is due to be published on 2^nd October which at present allows only a six week period for response. The Councils' concerns are outlined on their website, which also includes an online petition, a downloadable petition for use in your local community and an online questionnaire.

If you wish to become involved and play a part in this very important issue then visit www.kent.gov.uk/postoffice

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