Communities need local post offices

[TrueBlueTerrier]

http://www.thisisbasingstoke.co.uk/news ... ffices.php

Sir.-Closing post offices to save money is only going to add to the country's costs in other ways and is very shortsighted.

It will result in:

* more car emissions by people having to drive to the larger supermarkets
* work being taken from people, resulting in unemployment following the closure of the small shops due to the lack of business
* more obesity because people will have to drive
* fewer people out on the streets in the neighbourhood.

The workforce of Britain may be completely unaware of "life in the community" when you have to depend on local amenities.

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Do we really want silent communities?

Make your views heard - votes matter!

-Jennifer Targett,
Vine Tree Close,
Tadley.

# Sir.-As the Old Basing Community News correspondent for The Gazette, a lot of local people have mentioned to me how distressed they would be if their post office were to close.

Too many elderly don't run cars and would find a trip into Basingstoke very difficult, as waiting for buses can present problems, especially in inclement weather.

Also, those who do not have bank accounts express concern at walking about with large sums of money and worry for their personal safety in unfamiliar places.

Old Basing Post Office is situated in a small parade of local shops and their trade will surely be affected negatively if people are not visiting the post office and doing their weekly shopping at the same time.

This could also lead to a further curtailment of an important part of village life, and subsequent isolation for the less sprightly, if these shops have to close down as well through loss of custom.

Many people are signing the petition against this proposed closure, but having been a county councillor, I know that letters add a greater personal dimension.

I urge those who have not yet done so to write formally to consultation@postoffice.co.uk
-Hazel Vanbergen,
Old Basing.

# Sir.-Petitions won't stop our post office from closure. That was the clear message from the Postwatch spokesman on BBC1's The Politics Show recently.

Seemingly, Postwatch is not interested in the number of objectors, no matter how many people sign a petition.

Posters in our windows are also pointless. The consultation period is just pretence - going through the motions but not responding to the public.

However, Postwatch may take notice of letters. It's our arguments that could change their minds. We need to write with reasons why our post office should remain open.

Postwatch wants to know if it has overlooked anything.

Think about any special circumstances:

* Is there a new housing development under construction, or planned?
* Is a bus service facing the chop? Is the bus service poor and infrequent?
* Is there a high number of senior citizens living within easy walking distance? Is the next nearest post office easily accessible by public transport?
* Will closure affect local business?
* Have they got their facts right? Is it really only 0.7 miles from Old Basing to Basingstoke Post Office?

The address to write to is Postwatch, National Consultation Team, Post Office Ltd, Freepost Consultation Team or e-mail consultation@postoffice.co.uk

Please write now if you want to save our local post office - we have.