inews

Publications by New Journal Enterprises

Home

Archive

Competition

Islington Tribune - by ROISIN GADELRAB
Published: 18 January 2008

MP Emily Thornberry

PO boss urged: Join the 45-minute queue

MP warns of longer waits if nearby branch shuts

POST Office boss Adam Crozier was challenged this week: “Come and join a 45-minute queue at our Upper Street branch and see what we have to put up with.”
Labour MP Emily Thornberry fears the wait for customers will become even longer if a plan to shut the popular Essex Road post office in Islington goes ahead.
The Islington South and Finsbury MP points out that sub-post offices in Old Street, Amwell Street, Copenhagen Street, Westbourne Road, St Peter Street and Southgate Road have already closed while branches have shut in Holloway Road, Hornsey Road and Junction Road, Archway.
In a letter to Mr Crozier she says he has failed to show why the Essex Road branch should close.
She tells him: “You have not provided any figures on the number of customers using the branch, nor on takings or profitability. It is impossible for my constituents to tell why this post office has been targeted.”
With no direct buses from Essex Road to the post office at Highbury Corner, Ms Thornberry says pensioners, disabled people and mothers with children will have no alternative but to walk.
“But let Islington residents tell you a bit more about what it’s like here,” she tells Mr Crozier. “Have you ever visited Upper Street post office? I suggest you come along and join the queue – allow 45 minutes out of your lunch hour, and you might get to the front. But don’t come in a wheelchair. It’s three steps up to the single door.”
Bridget Fox, Lib Dem prospective parliamentary candidate for Islington South and Finsbury, has launched an online petition and Save Essex Road Post Office group on Facebook website.
Ms Fox said: “I’ve had some amazing emails from people, including Age Concern Islington, who have come out in support of a campaign to save Essex Road post office. The government has to be held to account for this.”
Islington’s Liberal Democrat council put the Essex Road post office building up for sale last summer as part of its housing portfolio sell-off.

Comment on this article.
(You must supply your full name and email address for your comment to be published)

Name:

Email:

Comment:

Your Comments: