Council condemns consultation 'whitewash'

Published on Wednesday 22 October 2008 09:55

PLANS to close three local post offices in West Lothian have been condemned by the local council.

The Post Office has confirmed it plans to close village outlets at Breich, Newton and Polbeth, in spite of strong objections from both the council and local residents.

Martyn Day, the council's transport and development leader, said: "We are very disappointed by the announcement, and are deeply concerned on the potential impact it will have on the communities of Breich, Newton and Polbeth.

"The Post Office have simply ignored our justified concerns over transport links, the impact on village stores and the suitability of alternative local branches by closing these three branches, which makes their entire consultation look like a whitewash."

He said the council wanted assurances from the Post Office that alternative branches would be able to cope with the increased number of customers, and that they would be fully accessible. He also asked that the closures be delayed until after Christmas.