Harriett Baldwin said: "I am very grateful to members of the public whom I met at public meetings in Rushwick and Poolbrook. In addition, many people wrote in to survey by myself and by local councillors in the areas affected. These have helped to inform detailed objections to all four of the closures in West Worcestershire.
In Rushwick, I have objected onthe grounds that there is a busy ring road between the village and St.John's. The bus service is infrequent and expensive. Extensive new housing is pencilled in for the area.
In Poolbrook, I have objected on the grounds of lack of access for the disabled and no bus service to Barnard's Green.
In Malvern Link Top, I have objected on the basis that it is the last Post Office in the area serving a large part of the Western end of Great Malvern and all of West Malvern. I believe the government's own access criteria of 1 mile to a Post Office for 95% of the population is broken by closing this Post Office.
In Hanley Castle, I have objected based on the regular flooding of the Hanley Road to Upton and the lack of disabled access in Upton-upon-Severn.
I have also sent in a submission about Elmley Castle outreach service and have intervened to help ensure that PostOffice Ltd. look for appropriate outreach venues in Upper Welland .
I realisethat it is highly unlikely that Post Office Ltd. will listen to all these arguments. However, I feel very strongly that the government is making a big mistake by cutting back the Post Office network in this way."
Read Harriett's letters here:Rushwick
Poolbrook
Malvern Link Top
Hanley Castle
Elmley Castle
Photo: Public meeting in Poolbrook with L to R Jackie Stenson and Gary Grange from Post Office Ltd, Cllr Joe Smith, Harriett Baldwin and Cllr Richard Simmids.