Issue - meetings

            The Board considered a report of the Strategic Director – Corporate and Policy regarding the recent announcement from the Post Office proposing the closure of three Post Offices in Halton at:

• Appleton Village, Appleton, Widnes;
• Hale Road, Halebank, Widnes (near St Michael’s Road); and
• Stenhills, Picton Avenue, Runcorn.

Local Members were actively working with their local communities in raising strong objections to the proposals and were part of the process of developing a strong case for their retention: a detailed case was being prepared for submission to the Post Office by 17^th December 2007 focusing on a number of key areas, which were outlined for consideration.

The Board agreed that it was vital that people had easy access to a Post Office, particularly those residents that were elderly or infirm, or who had young children.

RESOLVED: that

(1)               the Council raises strong objections to the proposed closure of Post Offices in Halton;

(2)               the Strategic Director – Corporate and Policy, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Corporate Services, produce a detailed response to the Post Office and local MPs by the 17^th December 2007 deadline for submissions; and

(3)               the Urban Renewal Policy and Performance Board be requested to investigate this matter.