MP raises fears over future of post offices
THE future of post offices is being put at risk by declining income for sub-postmasters, an SNP MP has warned.
Marion Fellows said a lack of funding and the fallout of the privatisation of Royal Mail could lead to many communities losing their local branch.
The MP demanded action to ensure better conditions BY DAVID CLEGG for sub-postmasters after the sudden closure of Wishaw Post Office in her constituency.
Fellows has written to UK minister Kelly Tolhurst and Post Office chief executive Paula Vennells after learning that eight sub-postmasters who had been asked to step in to keep the Wishaw branch open temporarily all turned down the offer.
She said: “The difficulties facing sub-postmasters across the UK stem from the UK Government’s privatisation regime of a community asset, resulting in sub-postmasters being underpaid and undervalued.
“The Post Office and communities are on the brink of a crisis as more and more do not feel it is worth their while.”
National Federation of SubPostmasters chief executive Calum Greenhow said: “We are very concerned by the number of post offices closing.
“We can’t have a situation where privately owned small businesses are subsidising a Governmentowned organisation.”