MP APPEALS TAKES CARTMEL FIGHT TO MANDELSON

The campaign for a full replacement Post Office in Cartmel took another step forward today, after MP Tim Farron met with the Network Change Manager for Post Office Ltd, Ian Liley along with local Councillor Mary Wilson.

Cartmel Post Office closed recently having been saved last year following the consultation for the Network Change Programme. The decision to retain a full post office at Cartmel was taken last year on the basis that it was within the interest of the community and of Post Office Ltd, to have a full sub Post Office branch in the village. Unfortunately, following the decision by the owner of Cartmel Post Office to sell up, Post Office Ltd have been looking to replace the Cartmel Post Office with a downgraded outreach centre. Local people are outraged at this opportunistic downgrading of their post office.

Two local businesses have shown an interest in providing the necessary investment for a full replacement Post Office in Cartmel. During today's meeting, Mr Farron expressed his disappointment that Post Office Ltd had not entered into any discussion with either of the businesses about restoring the Cartmel Post Office.

Commenting Mr Farron said:

"The controversial closure programme last year left Cartmel intact after a full consultation process, so the news that Post Office Ltd are looking to downgrade the Cartmel office to an outreach centre is simply unacceptable.

"The consultation made it perfectly clear that Cartmel, as a thriving, busy tourist centre deserved to have a full Post Office. I'm quite frankly appalled by the opportunism of Post Office Ltd who have gone back on their previous decision to keep Cartmel Post Office simply to try and save a quick buck.

"We now have on the table, viable offers from local businesses which would allow Cartmel to retain a full Post Office, but to my utter amazement Post Office Ltd have not even picked up the phone to discuss these offers.

"It's clear from my meeting today that to get a full replacement for Cartmel Post Office we're going to have to step up our campaign. That's why I'll be writing to Lord Mandelson to ask him to personally intervene to get the best possible result for the residents of Cartmel."