Lib Dems Propose "Outreach" Alternative To Albion Street, Kenilworth Post Office Closure

8.44.00am BST (GMT +0100) Tue 15th Jul 2008

Cllr John Whitehouse

County councillor John Whitehouse (Liberal Democrat, Kenilworth Abbey) has proposed an 'Outreach' alternative if the current campaign to save the Albion Street, Kenilworth Post Office fails to persuade the Post Office to change its mind.

Outreach Services are a Post Office scheme whereby local post office services can continue to be provided when a branch closes. A nearby branch takes on the service, and works with a local business or community building to provide the space for the portable Post Office computer equipment required. Over 250 of such satellite outlets have been opened by the Post Office since 2000.

Councillor John Whitehouse said:

"I am still working hard with the local community to try to stop the current branch from closing. The response has been amazing. This week we have delivered new leaflets to hundreds of homes in the Albion Street area, encouraging everyone to write individually to the Post Office and Postwatch, and also to come to the public meeting at St. Barnabas Church at 6.30 p.m. on Thursday 24th July.

"However, the Post Office seems intent on closing one of the five current branches in Kenilworth, and it will be very difficult to force a change of mind. Also, I can get no response from 'One Stop' management as to their attitude to the proposed loss of post office services in their store, and must therefore assume that they are not prepared to fight to keep it.

"In these circumstances we must look at all possible alternatives, in order to retain essential post office services for the Albion Street local community. I have talked with the owners of businesses who could be involved in a local Outreach Services scheme, and there is real interest in developing the idea. At my request county council business advisors are now involved, and I have asked the Post Office and Postwatch to give their active encouragement.

"Just closing loss-making branches is not the answer. The requirements of the local community need to be met, and I hope that the Post Office will grasp this new opportunity to do so."