A FURIOUS MP is accusing Post Office chiefs of deliberately dragging their feet and not revealing financial data that could potentially save a number of post offices.
Billericay MP John Baron is slamming the organisation for being uncooperative and slow in negotiating with Essex County Council which is exploring the possibility of putting together a £1.5million rescue package.
The county council became the first local authority in the UK to discuss taking over the running of post offices earmarked for closure since the cash-strapped Post Office revealed plans to axe 2,500 branches nationwide.
The council is negotiating a buy-out price from the Post Office which could save some 15 branches across Essex within two months, but first Post Office chiefs needs to open their books to allow the council to produce a viable business model.
Speaking in the Commons, Tory MP Mr Baron pressed the Post Office Minister, Pat McFadden, to take action.
Two profitable branches in Billericay and Wickford, which were recently closed could reopen if Essex County Council's plans go ahead.
The outlets, in Great Farms Lane, Billericay, and Kings Parade, in Nevendon Road, were popular with customers who battled to keep them from the axe.
Mr Baron told the Commons: "The Post Office is still dragging its feet in negotiations with Essex County Council by failing to release essential financial information.
"Will the Minster now personally ensure that the Post Office co-operates with the council, and that the decommissioning of branches stops until negotiations are complete?"
Mr McFadden said he had held two meetings with the chief executive of the Post Office, encouraging him to open a dialogue with County Hall.
Mr Baron told the Echo: "To me it is clear the Post Office is stonewalling and wants these negotiations to fail because it is determined to meet its target of 2,500 branch closures regardless of the harm this will do to local communities.
"It is also clear the Government could do more to bring pressure on the Post Office, but it has chosen not to do so."
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