13 post offices on hit list

A TOTAL of 13 post offices are facing the axe in Edinburgh, the Evening News can reveal today.

The hit list has been leaked to the News ahead of an official announcement next week.

Two more branches face being shut in Midlothian as part of the national closure programme.

The news has dismayed local campaigners, who say the elderly and disabled will be hardest hit. Several thousand people have signed petitions saying they are vital to their communities.

The post offices set for closure include Cramond, Dalmeny, Gorgie Road, Shandon Place, Warrendar Park, Elm Row, Goldenacre and Pilrig Toll. Branches in Bonnyrigg and Lasswade also face the axe, while others in West and East Lothian have yet to be named.

The Royal Mail is set to hold a six-week consultation on the move, with the closures set to happen by the end of the year.

Shirley Anne Somerville, the SNP MSP for the Lothians, said the six-week consultation was a "sham", and said she had received nearly 600 letters from residents.

"Post offices would be better used if the Government had not taken services away from them. But they are still absolutely crucial to certain parts of our communities, such as the elderly, young families and small businesses."

The UK Government voted to close 2500 branches nationwide because new technology and changing lifestyles mean people are visiting post offices less. Post Office Ltd say they have considered the size of branches, number of transactions and proximity to other branches in drawing up their closure list.

But local campaigners have vowed to fight. More than 20 branches have already closed in Edinburgh since 2001.

Ian Mowat, the chairman of the New Town and Broughton Community Council, said they were very concerned about the future of Elm Row Post Office. "We would certainly argue that there is a case for keeping it open," he said. "

This is going to have a considerable impact on people in Broughton."

Bill Scholes, the chairman of Cramond Community Council, added: "It's regretful that Cramond Post Office is going to close, although we're pleased that the shop will continue."

Iain McGill, the Conservative candidate for Edinburgh North and Leith, collected around 1000 signatures on a petition calling for post offices to be saved.

He said: "We're particularly concerned about Elm Row, as the next nearest one is in the St James Centre which is set for redevelopment. Goldenacre and Pilrig Toll are also very well used, and elderly people will be hard hit if they close."

Lib Dems in Edinburgh South have also launched a campaign to save Warrender Park Post Office.

A Post Office Ltd spokeswoman said: "The Government has laid down minimum access criteria which Post Office Ltd must work to when proposing any branch for closure. Our aim is to continue to provide essential services and support retail businesses and the local economy."