Gildernew discusses rural Post Office closures

Agriculture and Rural Development Minister Michelle Gildernew MP MLA, this week held discussions with representatives of Royal Mail and Post Office Ltd about the planned closure of rural post offices.

The Minister heard about the preparations being made to reduce the size of the urban and rural post office network following the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), proposals for the reform of the Post Office network.

Post Offices are a reserved matter and the responsibility of DTI. However, the Minister said that her concern was the impact any closures would have on rural areas.

In areas which may be affected, the Minister also heard about plans to maintain some level of post office services through the innovative use of mobile and other outreach services which are currently being piloted here.

The Minister added that she would be keeping a close eye on developments over the coming months: “This is going to be a crucial period for rural areas and I am determined to play my part to ensure the needs of rural communities are fully taken into account as decisions on the size and shape of the future post office network are made. I have asked my officials to work closely with Royal Mail and Post Offices Ltd as the proposals for future provision of post office services are developed.”

Notes to Editors:

DTI’s public consultation on the UK Government's proposed strategy for the Post Office network ran for 12 weeks, from 14 December 2006 until 8 March 2007. It generated some 2,500 responses from individuals and organisations and representative bodies at both local and national levels. The DTI announced the results of its consultation, and its proposed way forward on 17 May 2007.

More details are available on the DTI website.

All media enquiries to DARD Press Office, tel: 028 9052 4619.