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the Press Release Index
18th February 2008
Alex Johnstone Meets Postwatch To Discuss Consultation
 North
East MSP Alex Johnstone met this week with Tricia Dow,
Director of Postwatch Scotland to discuss his concern for
the future of the Post Office network across the North East.
The meeting precedes a consultation on the rationalisation
of Post Office provision which will begin with the
publication of proposals in May this year.
Speaking after the meeting, Mr Johnstone
said, "While this process will also look at Post Offices in
our larger towns, I am deeply concerned that this
Westminster sanctioned reduction in Post Offices will have a
disproportional impact on those living in rural areas."
"I have taken from this meeting a clear
understanding that this rationalisation is designed to
ensure that the network continues to provide complete
coverage while offering profitable business opportunities to
those who wish to remain within the structure.
It has also been made clear to me however,
that this process is designed to protect the long term
future of the network so any Post Office which is proposed
for closure can only be saved if an alternative action can
be identified.
It is therefore essential that as many
people as possible engage in the consultation process when
the consultation is launched. Customers should be taking an
early opportunity to talk to the owners and managers of
their local Post Office to find out what is proposed in
their area so that they are prepared for the next stage of
the process in May.
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