Petition against closing Middleton Post Office presented to Parliament

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Middleton Post Office

A petition signed by more than 1,000 residents against plans to close Middleton Crown Post Office, was presented to Parliament on Wednesday night by Liz McInnes, Member of Parliament for Heywood and Middleton.

The Post Office intends to franchise the service to WHSmith.

Ms McInnes launched the petition late last year when the plans were announced, and since then 1,183 residents have signed to express their opposition to the proposals.

Ms McInnes said: “I totally oppose the closure of Middleton Crown Post Office, and I think the fact that so many people have signed the petition shows the strength of feeling locally. The Post Office provides an essential public service and it is too valuable to hand over to a retail chain which itself faces an uncertain future.

“The Government and the Post Office Ltd must listen to the concerns of residents and produce a sustainable, responsible plan for managing this important public asset.”

In addition to closing the Middleton branch, the Post Office has also announced plans to close the Heywood branch on Hind Hill Street.

Residents can submit their comments to the public consultation until 3 April online at:

• www.postofficeviews.co.uk

The Heywood and Middleton MP has also launched a petition against the plans, demanding that the Post Office reconsider, and calling on the Government to protect this public service and develop a sustainable plan for its future.

The petition can be signed online at:

• www.lizmcinnesmp.org.uk/campaigns/saveheywoodpostoffice