MP Malcolm Moss Visits Little Downham Post Office and Hopes It Can Be Saved From Closure

CROWDS gathered at Little Downham Post Office on Saturday to protest against its inclusion on the Government hit list. MP Malcolm Moss joined postmistress Harpal Atwal and said he was fairly confident that the post office could be saved. There are c

CROWDS gathered at Little Downham Post Office on Saturday to protest against its inclusion on the Government hit list.

MP Malcolm Moss joined postmistress Harpal Atwal and said he was "fairly confident" that the post office could be saved.

"There are certain criteria that can make the Post Office look again," he told the Ely Standard, "such as the effect it would have on the vulnerable and elderly populations and the frequency of public transport system."

"Little Downham does not only serve the village but communities such as Wardy Hill, Pymoor and Coveney which are terribly isolated," he added. "There is no bus service to speak of - public transport is minimal, and if the elderly and the vulnerable are supposed to go to Ely, where there is no parking and a maximum of three or four people working behind the counter. There are no plans to upgrade the Ely branch - it will result in a far inferior service and people was use alternatives to the post office instead."

It has emerged that if the Little Downham branch were to close, it may get just five hours of mobile outreach service a week, unlike the 15 hours previously expected.

Mr Moss encouraged all members of the public who oppose the closure to write to him so that he can build up a portfolio of responses to send to the Post Office consultation.

nMr Moss can be contacted via the House of Commons, London SW1A 0AA.

left to right, Little Downham postmistress Harpal Atwal with Kenny, Stephen Barclay prospective parliamentary candidate for North East Cambridgeshire and Fenland, with Malcolm Moss MP.

Photo: HELEN DRAKE. 4697HD0708.