PO plans are blasted by MP
Weighing in on move controversy
Plans to move Motherwell’s post office have been slammed by Marion Fellows.
The Motherwell and Wishaw MP has faced a battle since January this year to keep the Brandon Street premises alive.
Now plans have been made to move the post office to the DayToday store on Muir Street.
Concerns have been raised by the SNP MP and now Ms Fellows will make her opinion heard at a consultation over the plans.
She said: “The people of Motherwell and I have made our views clear on the privatisation of the Brandon Crown Post Office clear: we are opposed to it.
“While the proposed premises are central, it will still result in a drop in services, expertise and access.
“The decrease in footfall in Motherwell town centre and the inconvenience to the many older folk who regularly use the current Crown Post Office must not be underestimated.
“Furthermore, a recent report from the Cass Business School says that if the Post Office’s banking services were taken into public ownership Post Office revenues could be massively boosted – particularly through lending to small and medium sized enterprises which tend to be locally owned.
“However, in typical fashion, the Tories prefer a managed decline of a valued public asset rather than taking action to ensure its long term success and benefits to communities.
“I will be making my strong views heard in the Post Office’s consultation.
“And I urge everyone else to take part and let them know that we want these plans scrapped.”
A public consultation on the plans will take place until October 18.
To make your voice heard, go to postofficeviews. co. uk, email comments@ postoffice. co. uk or by phoning 0345 7223344. A Motherwell pensioner has transformed an old patio at a sheltered housing complex into an impressive garden.
Phil Salina has stayed at Baillie Court for more than 10 years and started the garden after deciding the patio could be put to better use.
The green fingered 74-year-old had little experience of growing fruit and vegetables but adopted a ‘hit or miss approach’.
Now he is getting a helping hand from Hanover Scotland to pay towards a new polytunnel.
The delighted Motherwell man said: “I hate not doing something, which is why I enjoy trying out different things in the garden.
“I am already planning what I will grow next year and Hanover Scotland is helping me to secure a small grant to put towards a new cover for the polytunnel. This garden will never stop!”
Chris Milburn, Hanover Scotland’s director of customer services, visited Mr Salina in his garden and was shown some prize worthy spring onions whilst Sharon McLean, Baillie Court’s development manager, said: “Mr Salina’s garden has been a roaring success. He has turned a small patio area into a garden the whole development is proud of.
“Over the summer he is constantly digging away, to the extent that he has even been mistaken for the handyman!”
I will be making my strong views heard in consultation