Views sought on Post Office cuts

The council is concerned about cuts and social exclusion

Concern about reduced post office opening hours in Maidstone borough has led to a council review.

Fears that the latest cuts are the tip of the iceberg and that residents living in rural areas could be adversely affected prompted the review.

People's views are now being sought at a scrutiny meeting on Tuesday evening.

The council said representatives from Postwatch, the postal service watchdog, and the parish council would be there to answer questions.

Last month, Cllr Hugh Laing wrote to the Post Office to object to reduced hours at Chart Sutton, East Farleigh and Harrietsham post offices.

The council said East Farleigh would be open for four hours a week, Chart Sutton for 18 hours, and Harrietsham for 27 hours.

Cllr Laing said in August that he had asked the Post Office for an extended consultation period.

He added that a number of urban post office branches in Maidstone were closed or saw services reduced last year and said: "I am concerned that this could be the start of a further reduction, this time centred on our rural branches.

"I believe that these cuts will create real hardship and social exclusion for the people who rely on the services."