Devastating Blow for Local Communities in Bedford as Post Office Closures are Confirmed

12.00.04pm BST (GMT +0100) Thu 18th Sep 2008

The closure of eight essential local post branches in Bedford Borough has been confirmed, in spite of strong local opposition

Liberal Democrats have reacted with anger following confirmation that Bedford is to receive a hammer blow to its Post Office network. Despite widespread public support for local branches the Post Office has not granted a reprieve to any of the threatened branches in Bedford.

Following the announcement of planned closures there was a seven week public consultation by the Post Office which ended on 26 August. Despite powerful, community-based campaigns in support of local branches, the closure of all eight which were included in the Post Office consultation has been confirmed.

Liberal Democrat Councillor for Brickhill Ward Charles Royden said, "It is a sad day for many of our local communities. It seems that the only person who isn't outraged by this decision is our Labour MP Patrick Hall. It is his job to stand up for Bedford and his lack of support has meant that the post offices which have been reprieved are all outside Bedford."

The following Post Office branches in Bedford Borough will be closed:

Brickhill Drive

Elstow Road

193 Goldington Road

Midland Road

Springfields, Kempston

Ravensden

Stevington

Stewartby

Outreach services will be provided in Colmworth, Thurleigh and Upper Dean