New Costessey Post Office Closure Proposed

7.25.00pm BST (GMT +0100) Tue 24th Jun 2008

New Costessey Post Office is to be added to the closure programme, following the removal of three branches in Norfolk as a result of consultation.

Commenting, Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Spokesman Simon Wright pledged his support to the threatened branch:

"This is terrible news for New Costessey. The sub-postmistress, Alison, has been serving the community for 11 years, and before that it was her mother. This is a family business with local roots, with three part-time employees."

"The post office is very much a focal point of a growing community. WIth two new large developments at Lodge Farm and Queens Hill, there is huge potential for growth. Costessey is an expanding area."

"New Costessey Post Office supports local businesses and the shops in the area benefit from the footfall of a local service."

"It is a successful business, which also includes a shop selling confectionery and cards."

"The branch has on-street parking, and good access for disabled people."

"These reasons were all good enough to make sure that this branch was not identified for closure originally. It seems outrageous that it should now be deemed otherwise."

"This closure programme is damaging communities across the country. I am determined that we keep fighting it."