Council Still Talking On Five Post Offices

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Post Office agree to talks but have ruled out rescue plans for three branches

Before any negotiations can go ahead Post Office Limited (POL) has been insisting on confidentiality agreements with the council and individual postmasters. This prohibits disclosure of commercially sensitive information.

But already senior managers have told the council that they will not consider any options for the branches at 258 Balham High Road, 268 Battersea Park Road and 279 Putney Bridge Road.

In a letter to the council they say that alternative services in these areas could have a 'detrimental affect on the sustainability of the network.' As a result these nearby branches 'would become less viable.'

POL will only consider keeping branches open if they do not take trade away from other post offices and if they bear all the running costs themselves. They will no longer qualify for government subsidy or help with staffing and premises costs.

Deputy council leader Maurice Heaster said:

"For these three branches the battle is over. The Post Office will not even allow us to see the books.  Having been responsible for shutting half the borough network in just five years, it's a bit late for the Post Office hierarchy to be showing concern about the risk of further closures.

"The terms that POL are laying down are incredibly rigid. In every case they make it very difficult indeed to put together a viable rescue package.

"We will now focus our efforts on these five remaining branches where at least we will have access to all the information about the business."

The branch at 268 Balham High Road is the only one of the latest round of closures that is still trading as post office. It is expected to close next month.

The council is now discussing POL's conditions with postmasters for the branches at 179 Garratt Lane; 209 Lower Richmond Road; 274 Mitcham Lane; 318 Trinity Road and New Covent Garden Market.

All branches have been offered advice on future business options by the council's  economic development office.

July 8, 2008