Last updated 15:57, Wednesday, 16 April 2008

COPELAND Borough Council will be holding a special inquiry into the proposed post office closures in the borough.

The two-day event will look at the effects the closures will have on the communities they serve and what can be done to stop them.

In Copeland, post offices in Beckermet, Gosforth, Bigrigg, Holborn Hill, Lowca, Moor Row, Parton and Tangier Street in Whitehaven are earmarked for closure.

Coun John Kane, for Harbour ward, announced at a full council meeting on Tuesday that the event will run on Friday 16 and Saturday 17 May. A venue is yet to be arranged.

Council leader Elaine Woodburn said: “We think this issue is hugely important and wanted to hear the views of everyone involved before forming our response.

“We know that in an area like Copeland a post office can often act as so much more, the hub of a community.

“So it is important we look in detail at the effect of these closures and what we can do about it.”

Opposition leader David Moore said: “The majority of branches involved are in rural areas. There is more at issue than the post offices, there are the other services they provide.

“We understand how people access these services. There is a lot to discuss around transport.”

During the Friday session organisations like Post Office Ltd, Post Watch, the Federation of Sub Postmasters, Cumbria County Council and Age Concern will be asked their views.

Sub postmasters from each branch threatened with closure will also be invited.

The community can take part on the Saturday session.

Parish and ward councillors will also be present.

Anyone wanting to contribute their opinions can contact their councillor or Neil White, scrutiny officer at Copeland Borough Council, Copeland Centre, Catherine Street, Whitehaven, CA28 7SJ, or neil.white@copeland.gov.uk.

A council spokesman later said that: “Members of the public who want to object or comment are asked to do so with reference to the following criteria, which Post Office Ltd is using to make its decisions:

The proximity of Post Office branches proposed for closure to nearby branches;

Customer numbers;

Size and ability of nearby branches to absorb extra customers;

Commercial implications;

Physical access constraints;

Availability of public transport;

Alternative access to key Post Office services (e.g. ATMs);

Local demographics

Impact on local economies.”