Lib Dems condemn MP Henderson over Post Office closures
March 20, 2008 3:56 PM
LIBERAL Democrats in Newcastle have accused MP Doug Henderson of failing to support vital local services after he voted to support the Government's massive post office closure programme.
The Government has ordered that one in five branches be closed across the country.
Opposition MPs tried to stop the closure programme on March 19th when a motion was proposed in the House of Commons demanding the Government halt their plans to make 2,500 branches shut up shop.
But enough Labour MPs rallied around the Government's closure plans to reject the motion and ensure the closure programme can continue unhindered. One of those voting to close post offices was Newcastle North's MP Doug Henderson.
Disappointed local Liberal Democrat campaigners are calling on Mr Henderson to explain why he voted to close post offices.
"Mr Henderson has let down people in Newcastle North by voting to allow the closures to continue," said Lib Dem Newcastle North campaigner Ron Beadle.
"In July the consultation begins in Newcastle as to which branches here will be put forward for closure.
"This was an opportunity for Mr Henderson to make a stand on behalf of local people. I am disappointed he has backed the Government rather than local people.
"The loss of post offices will hit communities hard in Newcastle. They are vital assets for many local people and closing them will cause many difficulties for older people and others with mobility problems, in particular.
"Despite the decision of Mr Henderson to help the Government press ahead with closure, Liberal Democrats are continuing to fight the demolition of the post office network."
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