JESSE Norman, Conservative parliamentary candidate for Hereford and south Herefordshire, has reacted strongly to confirmation that the government is to push ahead with the closure of 2,500 post offices across the country.
The latest cuts come on top of the 4,000 post offices already shut since 1999 and Mr Norman claims that in Hereford and south Herefordshire alone, this is likely to mean the closure of between seven and 10 more from the current level of 40.
He said: "The Labour government has already closed seven post offices in the area since 1997.
"This will be a hammer blow to community life. Local communities across south Herefordshire will lose their only shop and vulnerable people will lose a vital service they depend upon.
"The government has taken no account of the needs of the elderly, of disabled people or of the most disadvantaged - the very people who will lose out most as this cuts programme takes its toll."
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