Show of Support for Sheffield's Post Offices

12.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Wed 13th Aug 2008

Lib Dems campaigning to save local Post Offices

Sheffielders' strong views against the closure of Post Offices will be heard next week when Liberal Democrat Councillors discuss proposals to close 16 branches in the city. For the first time since last week's announcement by the Post Office, members will debate the issue in public at a Cabinet meeting on 20 August.

Work has started on a strong analysis of the impact that each closure would have on the local community. There will also be work going on behind the scenes to look at how services could be safeguarded if Post Offices were forced to close.

Liberal Democrat Council Leader Cllr Paul Scriven said: "The focus and aim of our campaign remains to keep all of our Post Offices open. The people of Sheffield need the services they provide.

Throughout the consultation period we will continue to campaign vociferously and I would urge everyone to sign the Council's petition to save our Post Offices. And we will also learn from what other local authorities have done in this situation."

The proposed closures make up 16 per cent of Sheffield's Post Office network. Early analysis by the Council shows that some of the areas affected have high numbers of people receiving benefits, below average household incomes and significant numbers of residents who are retired - the very people who stand to lose out most if their local Post Office closes.

Other areas of concern include the consequences for surrounding local businesses and shops if an area's Post Office is forced to close, and increased traffic congestion as a result of people having to drive to the next available branch.

The Council's online petition can be found at www.sheffield.gov.uk/saveourpostoffices. Copies can also be signed at the Town Hall, First Points and all local libraries.

The Sheffield Post Offices threatened with closure are:

Crookes Valley Road Post Office, 213 Crookes Valley Road, S10 1BA

Shalesmoor Post Office, Co-op, Penistone Road Garage, S6 3BN

Western Road Post Office, 365 Springvale Road, S10 1LL

Grimesthorpe Post Office, 133 Upwell Street, S4 8AN

Hatfield House Lane Post Office, 101 Sicey Avenue, S5 0RH

High Wincobank Post Office, 122 Wincobank Avenue, S5 6BB

Southey Post Office, 46 Southey Avenue, S5 7NL

Wadsley Bridge Post Office, Law Brothers Garage, Leppings Lane, S6 1LR

Deepcar Post Office, c/o Videoplus, 232 Manchester Road, Deepcar S36 2RF

Loxley Post Office, 501 Loxley Road, S6 6RQ

Oakbrook Road, 206 Oakbrook Road, S11 7ED

Parkhead Post Office, 336 Ecclesall Road South, S11 9PU

Silverhill Post Office, 143 Ecclesall Road South, S11 9PJ

Derbyshire Lane Post Office, 248 Derbyshire Lane, S8 8SF

Park Grange Post Office, 37 Park Grange Drive, S2 3SF

The Moor