Executive must act quickly to save our 200 threatened post offices

Alliance Party Chief Whip Kieran McCarthy MLA has expressed shock and anger at plans which could close up to 200 post offices across Northern Ireland. He stated that post offices provide a vital service and are the hub of many small communities. The plans are part of a UK-wide review of postal services which is being announced by Trade Secretary Alastair Darling today.

The Strangford MLA said: “I am totally shocked at the revelation that up to 200 post offices might close locally. This must not be allowed to happen.

“Our post offices provide a number of vital services to local people. They are not only an excellent service provider, they are the hub of many of our communities.

“They provide a much needed focal point for many villages and they also enable people to access important benefits and payment services.

“The new Executive must protect these key resources and must ensure that benefits, license applications and other services can be accessed in post offices.

“They must aim to provide even more services in our post offices to help remove the threat of their closure.

“This is an important test for the Executive. They must pass it with flying colours to safeguard the future of our local post offices.”

ENDS