COMMUNITY MAY BE ALLOWED TO RESCUE BELEAGUERED BRANCH (South Dorset Liberal Democrats)

South Dorset Liberal Democrats <info@southdorsetlibdems.org.uk>

COMMUNITY MAY BE ALLOWED TO RESCUE BELEAGUERED BRANCH

March 11, 2009 10:37 PM

Postmaster Roger Hayre & Prospective MP Ros Kayes discussing the Local Funding documents

Buxton Road Post Office which closes on March 10th may be offered a potential lifeline under the Post Office Local Funding Inititative as a Community Operated Post Office.

South Dorset's Liberal Democrat Prospective MP, Ros Kayes, who has been negotiating with Post Office Ltd says, "They are willing to consider the option of the branch operating as a community venture, although there are several hoops to jump through first. There are apparently only 4 ventures nationally running under the current scheme. They have told me - if the community want this then they will have to work hard to raise the money for it."

The scheme allows communities to fund Post Office Services to keep the network services up & running - but it could cost anything between £9 and £20 thousand pounds a year, depending on how much business each store generates. The system would leave the Buxton Road branch able to operate the Post Office Card Account, Savings Stamps, bill & budget repayment schemes & the financial & banking services which the community are desperate to maintain at the branch.

" I was surprised" said Ms Kayes, "when they agreed to talk . I think it has something to do with the fact that the franchise holder Weymouth's main branch has gone into receivership. Originally we had a meeting scheduled for March the 9th, but they have put it back because they want to be clearer about what exactly is happening to that branch.."

" The arrangements are based on a complicated financial formula & may involve up to four different signatories to the contract, so it is not going to be easy. My feeling has always been though, that when you are trying to save a community asset, you have to fight on to the end & follow up every potential avenue."

Essex County Council has kept several branches open by coming up with money to finance similar schemes throughout the County.

" I am disappointed that Dorset has not responded in the same way" said Ms Kayes, "but there are funding sources out there that could be tapped in to once a financial agreement is made."

The branch will have to close on the 10th under the network closure programme but could be reopened within 2 months should the rescue plan be successful.

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Ros Kayes can be contacted on 07920 850167 & 01308 482276