I wish to present a petition on behalf of many residents and constituents in Newport who are concerned about the proposed closure of Christchurch Road Post Office. It is a busy and profitable branch, which plays a vital role in the local community and its closure would be contrary to the aims of the Post Office Ltd network change programme as there is no easy access to nearby services on foot and no public transport links to nearby branches, and businesses that use the service because it is accessible will, as there is no alternative, take their custom to banks. The large turnout for a public meeting held last week demonstrates the strength of local public feeling about the closure. The petitioners therefore request that this House urges the Secretary of State for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform to save this vital post office.

Following is the full text of the petition:

[ The Petition of the sub-postmaster and supporters of Christchurch Road Post Office in Newport,

Declares that Christchurch Road Post Office continues to play a vital role in the local community by providing essential and convenient services; that to shut a profitable and busy Post Office is contrary to the proposed goal of the Post Office Ltd's network change programme; that the route to the alternative Post Office means walking down a very steep hill; which would have a detrimental effect on customers who are elderly or disabled who would be unable to access other Post Office services.

The Petitioners therefore request that the House of Commons urges the Secretary of State for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform to save this vital Post Office.

And the Petitioners remain, etc. ]

[P000117]