Rachael Maskell launched a campaign to stop the proposed break-up of the Crown Post Office in York today.
The Labour MP is committed to fighting the plans, which would see the closure of Lendal Post Office and the movement of services to a franchise within WH Smith on Coney Street.
Ms Maskell is critical of the decision by the Post Office to develop detailed franchising plans before first consulting with local residents and businesses.
She said today (Saturday, November 24):
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Like everyone, I was horrified by last month’s announcement by the Post Office to break-up York’s Crown Post Office.
Since then I’ve met with the Post Office to express my serious concern at the proposals and to make clear my commitment to do whatever I can to protect staff, residents and businesses of York.
She has secured the commitment of Kelly Tolhurst, junior minister for business, to look specifically at the situation in York.
Sign the petition
Ms Maskell is urging residents to make their views known by signing the petition that she will present in Parliament and also writing a special Christmas postcard to the Post Office.
Ms Maskell is also urging constituents to take part in the official consultation.
She said:
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Lendal Post Office has been serving residents, businesses and visitors for the last 130 years.
Not only does it draw people into the city centre, it is a living reminder of York’s proud heritage and our connection with the world.
At a time when Coney Street is struggling with footfall down 15% over two years, it is vital that we make it absolutely clear that we will not stand for the loss of another important part of our high street.
She said a Labour government would renationalise the Post Office together with Royal Mail, “making sure that the whole postal service works together in the interests of customers, not shareholders.
“In the meantime we must do everything possible to ensure these valuable spaces are kept in public ownership and are not flogged off for a one-off, capital receipt and shareholder profit.”