Fight to Save Bedford's Post Offices Begins as Blunder Reveals Local Branches in the Firing Line

Bedford Borough Liberal Democrats have launched the campaign to Save Bedford's Post Offices after the closure hitlist for the local area was revealed thanks to an internet blunder. Local Lib Dems have obtained a map published briefly on the post office website by mistake which appears to show that seven branches are identified for closure in Bedford Borough as part of the government's plans to close 2,500 post offices nationwide. This news comes in spite of the fact that the closure plan for Bedfordshire is not due to be announced formally until July 2008, with a "public consultation" to follow before closures are confirmed.

The Post Office branch situated in the Budgens store on Kimbolton Road is amongst the 7 post offices branches in Bedford Borough apparently due for closure. Commenting, Liberal Democrat Councillor for De Parys David Sawyer said:

"The planned post office closures bring shame upon this government. It is maintaining the pretence that no decisions for this area will be taken until after a so-called consultation next summer in spite of the fact that the plans to close branches across Bedford Borough have been revealed. The Kimbolton Road Post office is absolutely essential to the local community, and its location within the Budgens supermarket must provide good value for money. The costs to local residents of closing the branch would be far greater than any short-term financial gain for the government. I will fight the planned closure of Kimbolton Road Post Office every step of the way."

Liberal Democrat Councillor for Brickhill Ward Charles Royden has responded forcefully to the news that the Brickhill Drive branch is included in the list of those planned for closure:

"I am furious that the Brickhill Drive branch is planned for closure under the Government's massive cull of local post offices. This is devastating news for the local community, and I will fight this hard alongside local residents. The resolve of local people to prevent the closure of their post office should not be underestimated. The news is truly shocking, but the good thing to come out of the error which led to the release of this information is that the campaign to save Brickhill Drive Post Office starts early and will only get stronger."

Commenting on the inclusion of Elstow Road Post Office amongst those planned for closure, Liberal Democrat Councillor for Kingsbrook Ward Shirley McKay said:

"If Elstow Road Post Office is allowed to close, local residents will find crucial services ripped out from the heart of the community. Those who will be hardest hit include some of the most vulnerable people in our local communities who rely on local, accessible post offices and may not be able to travel longer distances to access vital services."

Lib Dem group Leader Coun Headley concluded:

"This map reveals that urban, suburban and rural communities in Bedford Borough are due to receive the shattering news that their local post office is planned for closure. The Government has shamefully failed to support our post offices, running down the network by taking services away, refusing to invest in a viable future for the service nationwide and planning to oversee the closure of 2,500 branches in a move that will devastate local communities. That is why we have launched the campaign to Save Bedford's Post Offices. The campaign website can be found at www.savebedfordspostoffices.org.uk"

The branches marked for closure on the map are:

• 11 Silver Street, Stevington

• Corner House, Ravensden Crossroads, Ravensden

• 103 Brickhill Drive, Brickhill, Bedford

• 82 Kimbolton Road, De Parys, Bedford

• 105 Midland Road, Bedford

• 6 Elstow Road, Kingsbrook, Bedford

• The map also appears to show that the branch at 1 Springfields Centre, Orchard Street, Kempston, is intended for closure