Council News

15 September 2008

Wrexham County Borough Council Responds to Planned Post Office Closures

Following the announcement earlier this Summer by Post Office Ltd of its proposals to close 10 offices in Wrexham County Borough, Wrexham Council has been working closely with local residents and Community Councils to formulate an official response which has been sent to Post Office Ltd today (Monday September 15th).

The response has taken into account the views of local residents, who have expressed their opinions via questionnaires that were distributed through a wide range of outlets and on the internet. The consultation also reflects the consolidated views of all the community councils where a post office has been identified for closure.

The response from Wrexham County Borough Council to Post Office Ltd makes it clear that the Council objects to the overall Network Change Programme and supports the Community Councils’ action in opposing the closures. The Council also asks Post Office Ltd to reconsider its local decisions and give due consideration to the strength of public opinion.

Cllr Rodney Skelland, Lead Member for Corporate Governance & Regeneration, says: “Wrexham County Borough Council is committed to supporting local communities and this is why we are fully supporting the Community Councils in their opposition to these closures. Post Office Ltd needs to ensure that an effective service remains available to all residents and we believe these closures will have a negative impact on peoples’ lives and their communities. No outreach services have been proposed to replace any of the offices within the County Borough and Wrexham Council urges Post Office Ltd to reconsider their plans.”

Post Office Ltd will now consider the findings of the public consultation process before announcing their decision. More information on the Network Change Programme can be found at www.postoffice.co.uk