February 2008 Archives
Many of you have contacted me this week because the Post Office has published proposals to close three of our local post offices, moving services to other venues nearby. The offices affected are in Orford Road, Forest Road (near the Bell Corner) and on Chingford Road. These proposals are now open for consultation with local residents with a final decision being made by 2 April.
It's vital the Post Office hears from people who live near these sites about how they use these services and what they want before they make any final decisions. The Post Office is facing difficult times and all political parties agree something should be done. However I disagree with the Lib Dems that privatisation is the answer because some branches play a vital role in our local communities and that's why I believe they need continued public subsidy. We also need to ensure the Post Office stick to their commitment to providing our Crown Post Office in the centre of Walthamstow.
I'll be working with my colleague at the Greater London Authority Jennette Arnold to make sure the Post Office are aware of the views of people in Walthamstow on these changes so if you would like to help please do get in touch. You can comment on these proposals either by writing to National Consultation Team Post Office Ltd, FREEPOST CONSULTATION TEAM (no stamp is required) or using this form
Last week I attended a consultation on the North London Waste Management Plan. There are lots of elements to this - how much waste we recycle, whether we make energy from it or reuse it - so it's vitally important to have a say early on in this process to ensure our voices are heard.
The organisers of the consultation can come and meet with local groups who are interested within the next six weeks. At the meetings they would present the proposals for feedback and answer questions about both the issues facing our waste management services in the future and any potential options.
If any local groups would like to invite them to attend a meeting so their members can get involved please let me know. You can read more about the proposals here on the North London Waste Management website.
