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Islington Tribune - by PETER GRUNER
Published: 27 June 2008

Labour campaigners, including (second left) MP EmilyThornberry

Postmaster admits: My branch can’t survive

CLAIMS that a political fix could prevent another Islington post office closing were dismissed this week by the postmaster.
As Labour and Lib Dems squabbled over the latest threat to Goswell Road post office in Finsbury, the man in charge of the branch said it was no longer financially viable. No date has been fixed for closure but it is due to become the 13th post office in Islington and Finsbury to shut within five years. The Crown post office in Essex Road has been saved, with both political parties taking credit for the reprieve.
Goswell Road postmaster Burhheeam Patel, 72, said that after 25 years he was looking forward to retirement. “We no longer have the work or the customers,” he added. “Since pensioners were able to access pensions at the bank there is no reason for them to come.
“And all the other things we sell, like newspapers and confectionery, are available in other shops. Our income has gone and we just cannot survive.”
Islington South and Finsbury Labour MP Emily Thornberry has called on the Lib Dems to join her in a campaign to persuade the Post Office to keep the Goswell Road branch open.
She said: “The nearest post offices are each half a mile away with no direct bus routes. A lot of old people are going to struggle.”
The Lib Dems have blamed the Labour government for the closures. Parliamentary candidate Bridget Fox said: “This closure plan is a direct result of government post office policy.”

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