SEVEN post offices across Bromley and Bexley are set to close under Government cutbacks.

Orpington will be the hardest hit area, with three branches facing the axe.

They are Carlton Parade Post Office, Crofton Lane Post Office and Pratt’s Bottom Post Office.

The other branches recommended for closure in Post Office Ltd’s area plan for London are: Brampton Road Post Office, Bexleyheath; Foots Cray Post Office, Sidcup Hill; Albemarle Road Post Office, Beckenham; and Walden Road Post Office, Chislehurst.

John Horam, MP for Orpington, slammed the proposals announced today.

He said: “I am opposed to anymore closures. We have had four in Orpington - that’s quite enough. These are essential places. Forcing people to travel much further distances if they don’t have a car is another blow at local shopping life.”

The post offices are among 169 branches proposed for closure across Greater London.

A six-week public consultation period will run until April 2.

Anita Turner, Post Office Ltd’s network development manager for London, said: “Taking the decision to close any Post Office branch is always very difficult and we know it will cause concern to many of our customers. We want to ensure that everyone who uses, relies on or has any concern with Post Office services is both fully aware of the proposed changes and able to give views on them. Post Office Ltd’s aim is to continue to provide essential services and support retail businesses and the local economy in as many communities as possible, subject to the minimum access criteria set by the Government. We believe these proposals offer the best prospect for a sustainable way forward for Post Office services in London.”

The Government criteria expects 95 per cent of the UK’s urban population to live within one mile of their nearest post office.

To obtain a copy of the plan visit www.postoffice.co.uk/networkchange or write to Post Office Ltd at Freepost Consultation (no stamp required) or email consultation@postoffice.co.uk.

from Bromley and Bexley Extra