Move to secure post offices is ‘great news’ (From Cotswold Journal)

Move to secure post offices is ‘great news’

9:00pm Thursday 16th February 2012 in Cotswolds

A MOVE to secure post offices for the next 10 years has been welcomed in the Cotswolds.

The coalition Government has secured longterm arrangements between the Post Office and Royal Mail before the two are separated under controversial privatisation plans.

Postmasters have welcomed the move as it has given them the confidence to make long-term investments in their businesses.

Gary Kirkman, who has been postmaster at the newly-refurbished post office in Bourton for the last four-and-a-half years, is pleased with the 10-year deal.

He said: “It’s absolutely fantastic news. The post office is part of many communities.

It should be protected and we are very trusted.

“The security is great but it’s not just about that. It’s about proving the Government’s faith in the post office is well-placed.

“The coalition has already announced a £1.4 billion investment for post offices which shows a commitment to maintaining the post office network.”

Sue Ewens, who has been postmaster at the Chipping Campden post office for 13 years, said: “It’s great news. It all helps. All post offices are a big part of the community.”

Councillor Paul Hodgkinson, leader of the Liberal Democrats at Cotswold District Council, said: “This is a tremendously good result for subpostmasters in the Cotswolds and it has to be good news for everyone in the district, especially those who rely upon village post offices which could well have been threatened if this deal had not been done.”