Another Week for New Costessey Post Office

7.19.00pm BST (GMT +0100) Sat 16th Aug 2008

Members of the public have an extra week to respond to a proposal to close New Costessey Post Office. The consultation period, originally due to end on Tuesday (19 August) has been extended to the 26 August to give people an extra week over the summer holiday period.

Simon Wright, Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Spokesman for Norwich South, has been collecting letters from residents objecting to the plans:

"Over 200 people have sent me their personal letters of objection over the plans to close their local post office, and I'm receiving more every day. It is good news that the Post Office has given people an extra week, as many people have been away on holiday. We must take advantage of this extra time and encourage as many people as possible to write letters of support."

"Personal letters are really the best way of responding to this consultation as they help to build the base of evidence for keeping the branch open. Local businesses have written to say how the loss would affect them, with staff having to take more time out of work to travel to alternatives. Local shops are worried about the possible loss of trade. The elderly and those with mobility problems are worried about getting around, especially as the bus services are often unreliable and sometimes don't have access for wheelchairs. There are genuine concerns about the capacity of nearby branches to cope with additional customers."

"The arguments are really strong. People need to write them down in a letter and send them to the Post Office Ltd. I have sent on all the letters that I have received so let's make sure that the authorities get a bulging mailbag of objections."