Liberal Democrats at North Yorkshire County Council are asking the ruling Conservatives to look at what Essex County Council are doing to try to save Post Offices.

28 post offices serving North Yorkshire residents are under threat as part of the Labour Government’s closure programme.

A similar number are threatened in Essex. But there the County Council has stepped in and announced a £1.5 million plan to support post offices earmarked for closure. Negotiations are still taking place into how exactly the help will be given.

County Cllr Bill Hoult, Leader of the Lib Dems at County Hall, comments:

“The ruling Tories have made a lot of noise over proposed post office closures. It’s now time they took a proactive approach and looked at ways in which they could support the ones that remain.”

Councillor Hoult represents Knaresborough, where the Aspin Lane Post Office is one of those threatened with closure. He added:

“I feel that the Essex approach deserves consideration, though we may need to wait until the current consultation process is finished. The Tory Council certainly has money to spare, having taken £2 million more from Council Tax payers than it needs. So let’s see some of it used to support vital public services.”