Combined bid to save Post Offices

Ten post offices earmarked for closure or rundown should be kept open, local authorities and organisations in Devon have said.

They have set out their arguments in a joint response to Post Office Limited's list of 83 branches identified for closure or outreach services.

Representations are also being made about 27 other branches where it thinks Post Office has got things wrong.

The Post Office's public consultation period ends at midnight.

The Devon partnership includes Devon County Council, Torbay Council, all districts and borough councils, the Community Council of Devon, Devon Rural Network, and Devon Renaissance.

"Post offices are a focal point for communities "
Brian Greenslade, Devon County Council
Post Office: Devon area plan

"This is an issue of fundamental importance to the communities of Devon and we believe they deserve a fair hearing of our case," Brian Greenslade, leader of Devon County Council, said.

He said the issue had united and galvanised communities across the county and showed the value residents put on the local post office services.

"Post offices are a focal point for communities and we must fight hard to reduce the impact of these closures on Devon" he said.

"Devon County Council stands ready to play its part in finding solutions."

PARTNERSHIP LIST

• Chelston, Torquay
• Millwey Rise, Axminster
• Offwell
• Tipton St John
• Torre, Torquay
• Townstal, Dartmouth
• Bishops Nympton
• Bridestowe
• Buckland Brewer
• Shebbear

The partnership chairman, Steve Pitcher, said: "The response represents a clear consensus of us all and I hope that Post Office Ltd pays serious attention to it.

In the joint submission, the partnership argued the Post Office had proposed the closure of 22% of Devon's post offices - more than its target percentage of 18%.

It said such a high number of closures would significantly disadvantage residents in more sparsely populated rural areas of the county.

The partnership has also said the distances given by the Post Office between branches does not reflect the true distances, or most sensible routes.

The government requires that 95% of people in rural areas live within three miles of a post office, but roads in more rural areas in Devon include single track lanes, with few passing places.

Post Office Limited has said the current post office network is losing more than £4m a week, but it said it would listen to any representations.

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