Bletchley Post Office - Government Privatisation by the Back Door

9.40.39pm GMT Thu 10th Mar 2005

Speaking at last weekend's Spring Conference in Harrogate, Milton Keynes South West's Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Candidate Neil Stuart accused the Government of carrying out privatisation by the back door when it closes the main post office in Bletchley town centre.

"What they are doing is selling off the existing office with no safeguards for the future," he said.

The plans are that the post office building becomes a convenience store with a sub-post office inside the shop. Local Liberal Democrats have been collecting signatures for a petition against the proposals.

"Many of the local people I have spoken to don't think another convenience store is needed in Bletchley," said Neil. "And what happens if the shop doesn't pay its way and has to close? Although I have an assurance that the Post Office would try to find a new buyer, if they don't find one within six months the post office is likely to close.

"The Government will then walk away, pretending they have no responsibility. They won't come forward and tell us that they are planning to privatise the Post Office because they know it would not be popular. So they are carrying out privatisation by the back door."