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Post office motion fails in parliament
A LAST minute bid to save the threatened Cotswold post offices failed in the House of Commons on Wednesday.
Cotswold MP Geoffrey Clifton-Brown expressed his strong opposition to the closures by supporting a debate called by the Conservative party to halt the entire closure programme.
The consultation period has ended for Cotswold residents to show their concern that over a quarter of its branches are facing the axe.
But the motion was defeated by 268 to 288 votes even with 19 Labour MPs voting against the party line to support the motion.
In his speech Mr Clifton-Brown said if Stratton and Beeches branches were to close the government would be leaving 19,000 residents to use the overcrowded Crown Post Office branch in Cirencester town centre.
His speech was based on eight public meetings held throughout the district, a march in Cirencester on March 8 and 500 letters from constituents.
He told Secretary of State John Hutton: "The consultation is flawed, the wrong branches are being closed."
Despite the defeat he said: "I was able to highlight my complete opposition to the closures and the ridiculous decision making that has taken place by focusing upon the Stratton branch which had a turnover of £468,000 in January alone."
9:57am Wednesday 26th March 2008
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CommentPosted by: Crispin, South Cerney on 3:00pm Thu 27 Mar 08
It's a shame David Cameron couldn't be bothered to turn-up and support his Glos. neighbours in this vote.
It's a shame David Cameron couldn't be bothered to turn-up and support his Glos. neighbours in this vote.
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