Council says government PO closure plans go against 'less driving' plea

Councillors stressed that the government had seemingly contradicted itself, because it advocated strengthening communities and urging people not to use their cars unnecessarily.

But the planned closures would force residents to get into their cars and seek out more rural postal locations, as queues at the Chesham town centre post office, in the High Street, were often enormous.

Councillor Noel Brown said the main post office often seemed to struggle with the enormity of the queues.

And mayor Councillor Alison Pirouet said there were often lengthy waits at another post office being spared the axe in Greenway Parade.

Councillor Chris Spruytenburg said the proposal for Botley was 'simply not acceptable' and that the measure would greatly inconvenience local people.

He added that he understood Waterside was profitable.

"If it is not broken, why fix it?" he said.

Councillor Justine Fulford said she was unwilling to use Greenway Parade as an alternative to the branch in Waterside.

Councillor Roy Abraham, chairman of the policy and resources committee, said: "This is unacceptable in every way."

Councillor Michael Brand emphasised that, in opposing the closures, it was important to look at the Post Office rubric and make a case based on what communities were being asked to comment on.

Town clerk Bill Richards will now draft an official response on behalf of the town council which will summarise members' objections to the proposed closures.