Public meeting called in Spotland to discuss Post Office future

Date published: 25/06/2008

Spotland Liberal Democrats have called a public meeting to be held this Friday (27 June) to discuss the future of Spotland Road Post Office after it was earmarked for possible closure by the government. The meeting will be held at Spotland Community Centre on Spotland Road and is part of the ongoing campaign to save Post Offices in the Borough from closure.

Rochdale MP Paul Rowen said: “I was shocked to see Spotland Road Post Office on the list of possible closures. One of the government’s key factors in deciding which post offices to shut was to judge whether it was in a deprived area. After the recent publicised deprivation that exists in Spotland & Falinge, the decision to close this Post Office is madness. I am concerned about the effect that the possible closure of this vital service will have on our community.

“I was delighted on Monday to be able to attend the public meeting that was arranged at St Mary’s Church in Balderstone, which was part of the campaign to save Buersil Post Office. The turnout was unbelievable and I thank local residents for coming along and getting behind the campaign. Many letters were written and posters were handed out. I am sure that this Friday’s meeting in Spotland will have the same enthusiasm and drive.”

The meeting will begin at 6.30pm and is open to anyone who is concerned about the closure of Post Offices in the Borough. Council Leader Alan Taylor will be attending alongside Councillors Peter Clegg, Greg Couzens and Barbara Todd.

Councillor Peter Clegg said: “The reaction from local residents has been phenomenal and I am glad to see that people still value the post office and the services they provide. We will continue to fight tooth and nail during the consultation process to save Spotland Post Office and we really need your support this Friday. Everyone is welcome so please come along and show your support."