Residents vow for post office

Dozens of defiant residents vowed to fight for the future of a well-used Black Country post office after packing out a public meeting to discuss its fate.

About 75 people stressed the importance of Rushall post office, Walsall. It is earmarked for the axe as part of a Government-led closure programme.

Aldridge and Brownhills MP Richard Shepherd helped lead the meeting at Manor Farm Community Association, Rushall, with ward councillors Al Griffiths, Cath Micklewright and Rachel Walker.

Post Office representatives heard the strength of feeling againstloss of the service, which could see people have to travel further to collect pensions and buy stamps.

A petition with more than 800 signatures was collected and people are urged to write to the Post Office Ltd.

Iris Westwood, aged 84, of Pelsall Lane, said: "I am disgusted and distressed by the thought of losing our post office. It has been there since I can remember and everyone around here uses it."

Local Neighbourhood Partnership member John Reid, 72, of Floyds Lane, said: "There is an elderly population in this area who rely on the post office which has been there a good many years.

"One of the alternatives mentioned is Coalpool but there is no bus service to it."

Mr Shepherd encouraged people to write in with objections before consultation ends next Tuesday. He said: "A post office is often at the heart of the community.

"This is about a campaign to get the Post Office to change its mind."

Councillor Walker added that the service was vital to the village and losing it would have a knock on effect to other traders in the area which could lose trade.

The Post Office announced plans to close 31 Black Country branches in August. Others under threat in Walsall are Delves, Walstead Road, Dudley Fields, Bloxwich; Stafford Street, near Walsall town centre, and The Butts, users of which have fought to save.

Portobello branch, Willenhall, on the Wolverhampton border, is also threatened.