Local Lib Dems have reacted with shock and dismay at the plans reported in the Ham and High to close the Post Office in Highgate High Street. Rachel Allison, the Lib Dem candidate in the Highgate by-election has vowed to fight the closure proposal and is today launching a petition to persuade the Post Office to stop the plans.

The Liberal Democrats say that the loss of the Post Office would be a devastating blow to the High street and is totally unacceptable. Ms Allison has launched an online petition with Lynne Featherstone MP at ourcampaign.org.uk/highgatepostoffice, and is also writing to Highgate residents with a petition urging them to object.

Rachel Allison, Lib Dem candidate in the Highgate by election, comments:

“This is devastating news. It is totally unacceptable to propose cutting a Post Office in a High Street such as Highgate. Our Post Office is one of the essential ingredients that gives the retail life of the village its character.It makes for a vibrant High Street, encouraging we Highgate residents to use to other local shops as well. What is a High Street without a Post Office?”

“The Post Office nearest my own home, on the Archway Road, closed around four years ago, removing the service for residents in this part of the Archway area. Closing another Post Office in Highgate is just beyond belief. The Post Office will be hearing in no uncertain terms that this is unacceptable.”

Local Lib Dem MP Lynne Featherstone, who lives in Highgate, adds,

“These are disgraceful plans. Residents in Highgate have very few local services as it is. We have just seen off a threat to our local community centre at Jacksons Lane, and now we have this. It makes you wonder if between them, the Labour council or the Labour Government want Highgate residents to have any services in our local community at all. It is a dreadful prospect, but we will fight it all the way.”