Bishop offers solution to post office closures

[TrueBlueTerrier]

http://www.journallive.co.uk/north-east ... -20824412/

MOVING post offices to churches instead of shutting down rural services is an option that should be considered, a North East MP has said.

Peter Atkinson is MP for Hexham and the surrounding area and has opposed the closure of the post offices because of the effect it will have on those living in rural locations and the elderly.

As revealed in yesterday’s Journal, the Right Reverend Martin Wharton, Bishop of Newcastle, proposed using churches to house post offices in rural areas.

During a House of Lords debate, he said: “Isolated and dispersed deprivation is very difficult to address but the Churches stand ready, with buildings in almost every rural community, to play our part to save some of the most basic services for our people.â€

[andy2007]

That sounds like a very good idea. The Parish Church, like the Post Office and Pub, tend to be the most important parts of the Village. At least from a Social point of view. Combining two of them, is a good way of keeping them going.

Churches tent to have trouble paying for all the maintenance. So the profits they make from running the Post Office, could help them keep the Building properly maintained.

My only concern would be, where will they be siting the Post Office?
It would be wrong, to put it inside the Church itself. But to put it somewhere nearby. Maybe even in the grounds, shouldn't be a problem.