Shepway Post Offices: Protected

A new investment plan launched by Government Minster Lib Dem Vince Cable has safeguarded the future of Shepway's Post Offices. Record numbers of Post Offices were closed under the Labour Government, including the main Folkestone Post Office and sub post offices in Enbrook Valley, Littlestone, Saltwood, Seabrook and Royal Military Avenue, Shorncliffe.

The Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, Vince Cable, has announced a £1.3 billion funding package over the next four years to maintain and modernise the Post Office network. Dr Cable said the funding package will secure the long term future of the Post Office network and ensure that there will be no closure programme.

Liberal Democrat Folkestone West County Councillor Tim Prater, who has worked with local businesses and campaigners to restore postal services to Enbrook Valley and Sandgate High Street after the closure of Post Offices there under the Labour Government, is delighted with the news.

Tim says:

"I agree with Vince: the Post Office network is a cornerstone of British life, and essential to Shepway.

"The Liberal Democrats have campaigned against Post Office closures for years. I'm delighted that the Coalition Government has taken that Lib Dem campaign onboard. They are to invest an average of over £330m a year into our Post Office network over the next four years - more than double the subsidy paid to the Post Office for the past two years.

"Labour's Post Office cuts hurt Shepway residents. Labour insisted there was no other way, but the new Government has proved them wrong.

"Instead of paying for closures, the £1.3 billion funding package will reverse the years of decline and secure the Post Office's long term future."