1,000 sub-postmasters marched on Parliament yesterday protesting at post office closures, whilst government ministers asserted that there are still "too many offices". Under the current Labour Government, a quarter of the post office network has already been slashed, with Wyre Forest no exception to the cull. More cuts are expected as a result of Labour's plans to abolish the Post Office Card Account in 2010.
Furthermore, branches across the country face threats from the cancellation of the rural post office subsidy in 2008; the move to direct payment of benefits; DVLA plans to renew car tax online and the opening of new regional Passport Offices.
Royal Mail bosses suggest that the Post Office network could be reduced to just 4,000 branches nationally from the current 14,500 and Wyre Forest will again see swingeing cuts to post offices locally.
Mark Garnier, Conservative Parliamentary Spokesman for Wyre Forest commented.
"Post office provide a focal point for a community, not only providing a central focus, but also acting as a draw to other local businesses. This government has completely failed to understand their important social value.
"I am completely in support of the sub-post masters action and the Action Plan unveiled to David Cameron - an action plan that will give sub-post offices greater freedoms to diversify, to provide more central and local government services through branches, and to campaign to save the post office account card.
"I have campaigned with a number of my Conservative colleagues locally to save a number of post offices, even getting Theresa May MP involved with the branch in Sutton Park. I hope this will put pressure on the government to develop a clear long term strategy for the Post Office, to help support these vital community institutions."