MP: new funds will help keep village Post Offices afloat - The Rugby Observer

MP: new funds will help keep village Post Offices afloat

Rugby Editorial 9th Jan, 2018   0

EXTRA funding will help secure the future of rural Post Offices throughout the borough, says Rugby and Bulkington MP Mark Pawsey.

The government is investing an additional £370million across the UK to help prevent village Post Offices from closing down, as happened in Long Lawford and Marton in 2016.

Mr Pawsey said the Post Office played a vital role in his predominantly rural constituency.

He said: “The Post Office offers a wide range of valuable services for local people. For elderly residents in particular, the Post Office is an integral part of the community which is why I am pleased we are delivering on our manifesto commitment to safeguard the post office network and protect existing rural services.




“Over 99 per cent of the population lives within three miles of a Post Office, making them one of the most important network of shops in the country. This investment will help to retain these much valued local services and deliver a Post Office service capable of meeting modern demands, including new products and a much more effective digital presence which will be integrated with its branches.”

In 2016, Mr Pawsey presented to Parliament a petition of over 1,500 signatures to save the Post Offices in Bulkington and Long Lawford.


While the Bulkington Post Office relocated to the village’s Spar shop, the Long Lawford branch closed down as it was no longer financially viable. Post Office Ltd is still looking for a retailer to incorporate a branch into their premises.

In June that year, Marton’s Post Office closed after 160 years in the village, with a replacement branch opening a mile outside the village at Princethorpe Service Station.

Alongside the new investment, the Post Office is also introducing new technology and products to modernise its service, including access to banking services.

Online Editions

Catch up on your local news by reading our e-editions on the Rugby Observer.

Reader Travel

Check out all of the latest reader travel offers to get your hands on some free gifts.

Public Notices

View and download all of the public notices in the Rugby Observer.

Printing

We can provide all of your printing needs at competitive rates.