Boost for post office petition

The people of York, North and East Yorkshire have got behind the fight to save vital post office branches.

On Thursday, members of City of York Council joined the growing list of politicians who are coming on board to keep open the 50 branches across the region facing the axe.

Yesterday, we took to the streets to spread the word about Cut The Closures, setting up a stall in King's Square, York.

Hundreds of people signed our petition and pledged their support to save as many branches as possible around the region.

Kingsley Hoffman, a York singer performing next to our stall, said he wholeheartedly supported the campaign.

"I am appalled by the proposed closures," he said. "This is not only the removal of a local resource, but it will also create further unemployment."

He was not alone in his condemnation of post office bosses, who plan to close 2,500 branches nationally.

Lee Maloney, 63, of Hull Road, York, said: "I'm disgusted because the local post office is part of the culture of this country and closing them down just shows how little the Government cares. For some older people, it's the only time of day they get out and talk to someone."

Dave Burton, 23, of South Bank, York, said: "Post offices are useful as a centre of the community and, in a way, this is happening less and less. We should avoid losing the centres of our communities."

Margaret Holding, 74, of New Earswick, said the proposed closures would hit the most vulnerable hardest. "This will affect young families and older people who rely on these services," she said. "Your local post office is really useful for getting bits and pieces of shopping as well."

We have now received more than 750 signatures for our Cut The Closures campaign petition.

People have signed forms placed in shops and pubs around our Walmgate offices, have sent in petition forms published in The Press and have also gone online to pledge their support. Sign the petition here>>