BURT NOMINATES CLOSED POST OFFICES FOR ROYAL MAIL AWARD

10.30.15pm GMT Mon 9th Mar 2009

Solihull's MP, Lorely Burt has backed a campaign to celebrate the local Post Office, signing an Early Day Motion in Westminster to nominate all the post offices that have been earmarked for closure for the Royal Mail's Best Post Office Award.

As an act of protest against the hundreds of post offices that have already been forced to close, Mrs Burt's colleague, Willie Rennie MP has written to Royal Mail nominating every single Post Office earmarked for closure for the award.

Mrs Burt condemned the closure of hundreds of Post Offices up and down the country. Olton Hollow was one of many post offices named specifically in the Early Day Motion for the award.

Commenting, Mrs Burt said:

"By nominating all the closed post offices for the Best Post Office Award, we're recognising the huge contribution that the post office makes within the local community. But we're also highlighting the complete disregard that Post Office Ltd has shown to British public by robbing them of this vital public service.

"Post Office Ltd needs to understand that each decision to close a post office had repercussions which were felt by the entire local community.

"Post offices are the heart of a community. They provide services and a social meeting point for residents, especially for those who may find it difficult to get to other areas, and are used to pay over 360million household bills.

"We've had three post offices close right here in the borough which have affected people both young and old as well as the many local businesses who rely on the post office for its financial services.

"I hope that MPs from all parties will take this opportunity to demonstrate their displeasure with Post Office Ltd by nominating all the post offices which have closed in their area for the Best Post Office Award. "