Mayor to challenge post office closures

8:17am Tuesday 13th May 2008

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The new Mayor of London Boris Johnson has pledged his support for the 155 post offices threatened with closure across the city.

The government plans, which will see eight branches shut in Barnet borough, are set to take effect by August, but have been condemned by MPs, residents and post-masters.

Mr Johnson said he will fight the decision and claims he will do everything he can to save the branches.

He said: "Community-based enterprises like post offices provide vital services for Londoners, especially older Londoners and families, and they must be protected.

"Post offices are crucial in supporting local retail, where a post office closes, small businesses suffer."

He plans to take legal action to challenge the closures and supports the ideas put forward by some councils to house post offices within civic buildings.

He added: "We will amend the London plan to recognise the need for a post office to be within walking distance of residents.

"I will continue to campaign against the proposed closures in all parts of London."

Post Office bosses insist that most residents will be within one mile of their nearest branch. The closures were proposed by the Government as a way to curb losses of £4 million a week at the Post Office.