KEETCH CALLS UPON MINISTER TO SAVE POST OFFICES

4.42.08pm BST (GMT +0100) Tue 3rd Jul 2007

MP for Hereford, Paul Keetch, has been campaigning to stop the closure of Post Offices in his constituency for several years. The MP has now written to invite newly-appointed Minister, Pat McFadden, to visit Herefordshire to see for himself the impact that these closures is having on the local economy and community services, particularly in rural areas.

"I really think that the Minister should witness for himself the affect Post Office closures is having on communities," the MP said.

"Quite often the Post Office is a lifeline for many who cannot access services elsewhere - this government doesn't seem to understand that. The Tories never really understood it either when they were in power - one wonders how they aim to Save the Post Offices now when they could have done so years ago!

"The Liberal Democrats have been campaigning for years to retain Post Offices and locally we have been inundated with petitions and correspondence supporting our campaign. Later this week I am visiting a shop in the city where a nearby post office has closed. I am hoping that these premises will be able to house the post office so that the locals don't lose out. I will be doing all I can to support this move."

Sarah Carr, the Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Candidate said, "Our campaign is well supported and we are acting on residents' wishes. We don't just talk the talk - we are getting things moving and I am sure Paul's invitation to the Minister will be welcomed as another way to voice local concerns."