South Lakeland post office branch 'under threat' (From The Westmorland Gazette)

South Lakeland post office branch 'under threat'

2:21pm Wednesday 7th November 2012 in News

FEARS are growing for the future of a South Lakeland post office after its owner told Westmorland and Lonsdale MP Tim Farron that it was under threat.

Mr Farron urged Oxenholme residents to support the local business after its proprietor Bill Riddell warned it could close.

The MP pointed out that the post office branch was under threatened because the local shop attached was struggling through a lack of local trade.

He has written to the Post Office asking them to step in and help Mr Riddell, while local county councillor Brenda Gray has asked the County Council to install 20-minute parking bays outside the shop in a bid to boost trade.

Mr Farron said: “The shop and post office are a vital community service that is much needed in the village. Working with Bill and Brenda I am committed to doing everything I can to defend the service.

“I have asked Post Office Limited to help and I am also calling on the county council to support Brenda Gray’s request for 20 minute parking bays. We need this request to been agreed and done quickly - the usual council red tape where this proposal is sat on a committee agenda for six months could mean that this business will close. I hope that local residents will join us and make sure they support the shop and help us keep a vital service open.”

Councillor Gray added: “I am working with Tim and we will do everything we can to support the shop and post office. I have asked the county council to help provide parking bays to support the shop. Bill has told me that this will make a difference so I will keep pushing this. I hope that local residents join me and support a valuable local service with their custom.”