22 February 2008
A fifth of post offices in London are facing closure as the Royal Mail pursues its aim of shutting 2,500 branches by the end of 2008.
The announcement on February 19 of a six-week consultation on plans to close 169 of the capital's 850 post offices caused immediate outrage from London leaders.
Mayor Ken Livingstone threatened legal action to extend the consultation period and said: 'London's post offices provide vital support for those who are most in need… For many Londoners who do not have access to a bank account, the post office is an amenity they cannot do without.'
His mayoral election rivals were also critical. Liberal Democrat Brian Paddick condemned the plans and Conservative Boris Johnson called for Londoners to become involved in the consultation.
Anita Turner, the Post Office's network development manager for London, said: 'We believe these proposals offer the best prospect for a sustainable way forward for post office services in London.'
Consumer group Postwatch chair Roger Darlington said: 'Postwatch accepts the rationale for change. It is important that this happens in a way that minimises customer inconvenience and confusion.'
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