Response to Post Office Closure Consultation

Proposals to close village post offices in County Durham were discussed at a public meeting in March 2008. The attendance of over 100 people showed the public concern about this issue.

The Post Office announced plans to close 14 of its facilities in villages in the southern area of County Durham, covering Teesdale, Wear Valley, Easington and Sedgefield districts.

The Post Offices affected are: Bolam, Boldron, Hutton Henry, Hutton Magna, Jubilee Fields, Kirk Merrington, Leeholme, Page Bank, Romaldkirk, Simpasture, South Church, Toft Hill, Tudhoe Colliery and Winston.

The public meeting discussed the implications of the proposed closures and was held at the request of local county councillors and organised by the community development team.

Councillor Brian Myers, Cabinet Member for Social Inclusion at Durham County Council, who chaired the meeting, said "We are very concerned about the proposed closures and the effect they could have on isolated and vulnerable communities. In many rural villages in County Durham the local Post Office is a vital part of the community and the local economy. There are no alternative services proposed for the areas affected and this could have a devestating effect."

Those affected by the proposals (including residents, community groups and businesses) attended the public meeting to help shape the response to the consultation. This event was also supported by Postwatch (the watchdog for postal services), County, District, Town and Parish Councillors.

These PDFs provide further information on Councillors Brian Myers' response to the community consultation:

Post Office Closures Letter.pdf (3 pages, 566kb)

Post Office Closures Appendix 1.pdf (2 pages, 18kb)

Post Office Closures Appendix 2.pdf (2 pages, 17kb)

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