Post Office closures

[James Barber]

I understand that today the Labour government Post Office closures programme proposed hit list is released.

That one of the East Dulwich Post Offices, the one on Melbourne Grove, is on that Labour hit list.

Needless to say all three Liberal Democrat councillors Richard Thomas, Jonathan Mitchell and myself are against this community vandalism.

What do you think?

cllr James Barber

www.jamesbarber.org.uk

[Nero]

Didn't even know there was one on Melbourne Grove. Where exactly? Nero

[BJL]

Just by the bend in the road, close to the Thai Pavillion restaurant.

[Nero]

Hmm. I am pretty observant, but had no idea that was a PO. Nero

[snorky]

keep it.

I have yet to wait less than 15 minutes in the big LL one

Even the great Satan and its hapless servants of international capital - the USA - views its postal service as an untouchable, yet we are happy chop it up at the first opportunity

[Cassius]

Definitely keep it - it is quicker to walk there, get served and walk back (from LL) then get served at the main PO.

[bawdy-nan]

Interesting that you mention community vandalism - a bit rich and smacking rather loudly of hypocrisy.

The Post Office closures are bad but at least the area is served by another two post offices within walking distance. What you and your councillers are doing to the Livesey Museum is much much worse.

As you will be aware the museum serves the under 12's is regarded by DCMS as a shining example of good practice and has won national awards for the quality of its provision, including a shortlisting for best family friendly museum by the Guardian newspaper.

The museum is very well attended and serves one of the most deprived and under-served areas in the borough of Southwark (if not the country). It encourages curiosity and welcomes children and their families with fantastically well thought through exhibitions. It is, beyond, doubt an oasis in an area with absolutely nothing else like it.

As you will know the museum was opened by John Betjeman and building itself was donated by Geoarge Livesey to the people of Southwark as the very first library in Camberwell. You and your colleagues have stated that you intend to auction off the building.

If this is not vandalism I can't say what is. You ought to be thoroughly ashamed of yourselves.

[KalamityKel]

Was that Office not already facing a closure threat ages ago?

[karter]

If CPZ hits Melbourne Grove that post office will be buggered anyway.

[SimonM]

>>Interesting that you mention community vandalism - a bit rich and smacking rather loudly of hypocrisy. <<

Agreed emphatically, for all the reasons stated

[bawdy-nan]

The decision to close the museum has also been made on the basis of incorrect figures. James Barber is under the impresison that attendance is only 7000 a year. In fact official Southwark figures are closer to 18,000.

[KalamityKel]

How you figure that Karter?

[MrsEd]

Keep it open!

The Melbourne Grove PO is the nearest branch for many in SE5/SE15 and provides a one-stop shop (access to benefits, banking services, paying bills, stationery and getting advice and information).

[PeckhamRose]

As I type I am listening to Radio 4 You and Yours discussing government and how there are too many laws and the history of democracy and so on.

I believe that if the post office is on a hit list, then it is a done deal.

Councillors, thank you for alerting us to the issue here, and I ask that do what you can, but why is it you only usually contribute something to this forum when it suits you?

[pk]

SimonM Wrote:

-------------------------------------------------------

> >>Interesting that you mention community vandalism

> - a bit rich and smacking rather loudly of

> hypocrisy.

> Agreed emphatically, for all the reasons stated

and me

[snorky]

MG PO serves the residents on the DKH estate

thats why.

[MelbourneGr]

Although I'm sad to see it on the "hit list", im glad there are other offices within walking distance.

[Ko]

The PO on Lordship Lane is very very busy - always. We need the other post offices - if they close, the PO on Lordship Lane will get even busier!

I usually use the post office by Dulwich Library - its on the corner of Landells and Lordship Lane. The queues are much shorter and quicker.

[cdonline]

Is the Post Office Master against the closure?

The compensation is reasonably generous and I wonder if it is welcomed by those who run some of the Post Offices.

[Peckhamgatecrasher]

The PO at Goose Green closed down against the wishes of the owner. Sorely missed.

[karter]

Hey Ko, just as well that one is not on their list.

[KalamityKel]

Yet

[MadWorld74]

www.itv.com/local

has the list the post offices closing

[snorky]

Its sick isnt it?

But most of the UK are guilty of aiding & abetting this disgusting move by association - how many piled in and bought the various utilities shares when the were flogged off all those years ago ?

Why should a post office be deemed to have to turn a profit ? its a service surely?

These mooted closures are the son of that selfish and grotesque era.

[Peckhamgatecrasher]

Tony Benn, with whom I share few political ideals, was on the radio this morning - what a fascinating chap. He too said that he thought the Post Office was a social service and a very important part of the community.