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Camden News - by DAN CARRIER
Published: 15 May 2008

Boris Johnson

Post offices could be saved as Town Hall ponders bid

POST Office plans to scrap four branches in Camden have hit the buffers after a two-pronged assault on the closure plans by Camden Council and the London mayor.
Post offices in Belsize Park, Highgate, Somers Town and South End Green are all set to shut in June – but the Post Office are now facing a High Court challenge from City Hall and a takeover bid from the council.
New mayor Boris Johnson has vowed to copy his predecessor Ken Livingstone and has taken legal advice over whether there are grounds for a judicial review on the decision. The mayor’s office are preparing a legal challenge, which is expected to be heard in the coming weeks.
Mr Livingstone had vowed if the case was lost City Hall would step in to run the post offices.
Mr Johnson’s new team have called for a review on the basis that the cull will disproportionately affect London and the consultation period was too short.
But City Hall may not be needed as Camden Council are currently working to see if they can take on the four branches.
A Town Hall spokesman said this week they were thrashing out a plan for what they call “community-run offices”.
Town Hall lawyers are poring over a clause demanded by the Post Office regarding secrecy about the state of the businesses before they get round the table to discuss the possible handover.
The council spokesman added: “Our legal team are looking through the confidentiality disclosure form which Post Office Ltd requires us to complete before handing over financial information on the viability of the four affected post offices.
“We hope to send that back shortly.”
A Post Office spokesman confirmed they were waiting for the council to respond to the business plans and said it was hoped that talks would open soon.

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