I am most grateful for this opportunity, on the day of the termination of consultation on the closure of post offices in Shropshire, to be able to present this petition on behalf of the users of post offices in the Ludlow constituency. Some 2,165 people have signed the petition, which opposes the plans to close 14 post offices in the constituency—some 30 per cent. of the post offices currently open.

The petition states:

The Petition of users of Post Offices in the Ludlow Constituency,

Declares that plans to close 14 Post Offices in the Ludlow constituency, 9 of which are in the last remaining shop in the village, will affect many users of Post Office services, particularly vulnerable people with limited access to alternative branches and undermine sustainability of the local community. Withdrawal of the Post Office from the local shop will threaten the future of many remaining village shops, and introduction of a mobile van service for a few hours a week in 7 villages does nothing to reduce this threat to our communities.

The Petitioners therefore request that the House of Commons urges the Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform to be aware of the Petitioners concerns against closure of Post Offices in the Ludlow constituency and to instruct Post Office Ltd to halt the closure of these Post Offices.

And the Petitioners remain, etc.

[P000209]