A Personal Message from Mike Pringle MSP - Warrender Park Road Post Office set to Close

5.11.00am BST (GMT +0100) Tue 21st Oct 2008

Warrender Park Road Set to Close

As you may be aware Warrender Park Road Post Office was recently earmarked for closure by Post Office Ltd. as part of the Westminster Government's rationalisation plans which are set to close 2500 Post Offices across the UK.

Unfortunately despite a campaign spanning several months, massive local and community council support, a 3000 signature petition and hundreds of responses to the public consultation Post Office Ltd. have decided that the Warrender Park Road branch should be closed. The decision has been taken in line with criteria set down by the Westminster Government's Department of Trade and Industry.

I know you will be just as disappointed as I am at this closure so let me take this opportunity to pass on my thanks to everyone who took part in what was an incredible campaign. As the Edinburgh Evening News reported on the 30th of September, Marchmont residents mounted the "biggest opposition" in Edinburgh to the closure of their local post office. I know that Mr Smalley - The sub postmaster at Warrender Park Road - greatly appreciated all of your efforts and our thoughts must be with him at this time as he faces losing a substantial part of his livelihood.

I have already been in touch with Postwatch and the Royal Mail. They have both made it clear to me that there is no appeal process and therefore their decision is final. Unfortunately the information on the website of Edinburgh South's MP Nigel Griffiths that claims there may be a possibility of an appeal is incorrect.

In the meantime if there is anything else that you think I can be of assistance with please do not hesitate to get in touch.

Mike Pringle MSP

More information on the closure is available at http://edinburghsouthlibdems.org/news/000093/closure_of_warrender_park_road_confirmed.html