Door is shut on post office bid
Post Office bosses have refused to assist Hampshire County Council's bid to take over the running of branches which have been closed.
The council made a Freedom of Information request to Post Office Ltd, asking for the financial details of more than 40 doomed branches across the county.
Councillors wanted to know whether it would be financially viable to take over some of the offices, which have either already shut their doors or been earmarked for closure.
But Post Office Ltd has refused to open its books, claiming the data is commercially sensitive.
Now, council leader Ken Thornber says the only way Hampshire's branches can be saved is if the managing director of Post Office Ltd agrees to a face-to-face meeting.
He said: 'The Post Office reply to my FOI highlights the dilemma that councils face.
'We are aware that post offices can play an integral part in making a village or town a community and as such wish to help, but we need to see the books so we know what the feasibility is of making them self-sustaining businesses.
'We cannot commit ourselves to something when it is not clear what level of financing will be needed, not only because this is good business, but also because we need to ensure we do not add to the burden of the council taxpayer.'
The blow has been made even more bitter by the fact the council had to make two Freedom of Information requests, after their initial query in December went ignored.
Councillor Thornber has now written to Post Office Ltd requesting a meeting with top managers.
He said: 'Given the refusal of Post Office to disclose data on the grounds that it is commercial and personal information, the need for a meeting with their managing director becomes crucial.'
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Thursday 24 May 2012
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