Local Lib Dem calls on Oldham area MPs to support our Post Offices

10.08.00am GMT Tue 18th Mar 2008

Elwyn Watkins, Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Spokesperson for Oldham East and Saddleworth, has called on local Labour MPs Phil Woolas, David Heyes and Michael Meacher to support an opposition motion in Parliament tomorrow calling on the government to stop the planned closure of 2,500 local Post Offices.

He said, "I was a bit surprised that the Conservatives are tabling this in the Commons, considering their own record of thousands of Post Office closures nationwide - including many in Oldham Borough.

"But I do believe that politicians of every affiliation should support our local services.

"As many of Mr Woolas' colleagues have already been actively campaigning in their own constituencies against their government's policy, isn't it time that Mr Woolas did the right thing and voted to save Post Offices?

"Political consensus can be reached - Liberal Democrats, Conservatives and Labour all came together in Lancashire County Council to fight against Post Office closures - Mr Woolas should do the same.

"In Oldham Borough the Liberal Democrats will be continuing the fight to save local Post Offices whatever the outcome in Parliament on Wednesday - we know that Labour's plans could see as many as eight close in the Borough and that is something that local people cannot tolerate."