SAVE OUR POST OFFICES

12.00.00am UTC (GMT +0000) Tue 5th Aug 2008

Save our Post Offices - this is the message that Sheffielders will be sending out with the launch of the biggest campaign of its kind in the city today by the Liberal Democrat Council.

Sheffield City Council is rallying behind 16 local communities who face losing their local Post Office under closure plans announced today. And people can show their opposition to the proposals by signing an online petition on the Council's website, or by signing petitions in libraries and First Point offices throughout the city.

"We want to send out a resounding 'No' to any closures to those in charge of deciding which branches close, and which survive," said Councillor Paul Scriven, Liberal Democrat Leader of Sheffield City Council. "They live far away from the people whose lives will be affected by these closures, and can't see how vital Post Offices are to the local community.

"I'm calling on everyone in Sheffield to get behind this petition. We want to save all 16 of the branches that are threatened with closure and provide essential local services. The final petition will be sent to Downing Street so that Post Offices Ltd and the Government are left in no doubt about the strength of feeling in our city."

The online petition can be accessed from today at www.sheffield.gov.uk/saveourpostoffices. Copies of the petition are also available for signing from today at libraries and First Point offices.

Following today's announcement by Post Offices Ltd, there will be a six week period of consultation before a final decision is made.