28 April 2008

The Executive of Guildford Borough Council has expressed dismay at the news that the Post Office branches at Effingham Junction and Holmbury St Mary will be closed. Following a public consultation in January this year, the Post Office has announced that closures will begin in the next two to three months, although no specific timetable has been set for the two branches concerned.

The council objected to the plans on a number of grounds, including concerns over accessibility to postal facilities for local residents, particularly the elderly and those without access to transport.

Cllr Jenny Wicks, Lead Councillor for Environment and Ward Councillor for Clandon and Horsley says: "We are very disappointed by the news that the post offices at two villages in our borough will be closed. This will particularly affect the elderly residents of our borough who depend on these services and may not be able to travel elsewhere to access them. Post offices are an essential part of community life and losing these important facilities will have both a financial and wider effect on these communities."