Post offices are the lifeblood of any community. They are vital local institutions, just like a local school, church or a pub. 

Many people rely on their local Post Office - not only those who use them to collect their benefits or pensions but also other local businesses. When a local Post Office closes, the last shop in the community often closes too.

Over 4,800 Post Offices have already closed under Labour - a quarter of the country’s Post Office network. A further 2,500 Post Offices are expected to close by 2009.

Alan Duncan, Shadow Minister for Tyneside, explained: “I fully believe that Post Offices are a vital part of our community life, playing an important social role. I fully support the Conservative Party's campaign to save the Post Office network. Rather than looking at ways of getting business into the Post Office network the Government have set a centralised target to close 2,500 Post Offices.”

Jason Smith, Chairman of Newcastle Conservatives said: “We must fight now to save local Post Offices.”

To sign the Conservative Party's petition, click here.

Tags: Post Office