‘Shame on Labour’ says Ayrshire Scottish Nationalist MSP

Aug 1 2008

LABOUR MPs should hang their heads in shame over the plan to close post offices.

That’s the view this week of MSP Adam Ingram.

For he insists that the proposal has received the backing of the UK government.

The SNP politician spoke out after it was revealed that 10 branches will close in South Ayrshire, if the plan goes ahead.

He said: “This is really bad news for communities across the constituency and is the culmination of policies pursued by the Labour government to save money at the Post Office's expense.

“First they decided to take away across the counter benefits transactions in favour of automated credit transfer into bank accounts.

“That was followed by the loss of TV licence business to Paypoint and more recently the drive by DVLA to move to online renewal of road tax.

"The result was inevitably that most post offices would start making losses and give the government the excuse to close down large parts of the post office network with no regard for the social consequences.”

Forehill and Newtonhead branches have been singled out for closure along with Moorfield at Prestwick and Southend in Girvan.

Village branches, including those at Loans, Straiton, Minishant, Kirkmichael, Dunure and Turberry are also set to close along with Rankinson.

Mr Ingram added: “Labour MPs like Sandra Osborne and Brian Donohoe who have supported this government in its determination to override social concerns for the sake of financial savings should be hanging their heads in shame.”