Hopes fade for post offices under threat

Sep 11 2008 by Katie Campling, Huddersfield Daily Examiner

MEMBERS of the Conservative Cabinet of Kirklees Council have dashed hopes of implementing a scheme to save nine local post offices from the axe, saying it would not work in Kirklees.

Some councillors had suggested that the “Essex model” could save post office branches that face closure under the Government’s reshaping of the postal network.

The branches are: Lockwood Road, Longroyd Bridge, Birchencliffe, Oakes, Quarmby, Wooldale, Woodhead Road at Holmbridge, Birkby and Leeds Road, Bradley Mills.

The model was created by Essex County Council and Post Office Ltd. It involves the local authority completely buying out key branches earmarked for closure.

The council covers all the cost of the branch and has to agree to run it for several years. Keeping the branch open must have no damaging impact on remaining Post Office branches, such as loss of trade.