LIB DEMS BRAND POST OFFICE CONSULATION PERIOD "AN EXERCISE IN FUTILITY"

9.35.00am BST (GMT +0100) Wed 30th Jul 2008

Iain Smith MSP and Sir Menzies Campbell MP have expressed their deep disappointment at the decision by the Royal Mail to go ahead with their proposals for closure in North East Fife and have branded the consultation period as nothing more than an exercise in futility.

Commenting on today's news, North East Fife's MSP Iain Smith said, "This is an absolute disgrace. The Royal Mail has clearly ignored the views of the people in North East Fife. Gordon Brown and the Labour Government must take full responsibility as their instructions to the Royal Mail to unnecessarily close post offices have caused this quite unacceptable situation.

"I made a point of stating at the beginning of this consultation period that it should in no way replicate the shambolic consultation which surrounded the St Andrews Post Office last year which only acted as means for the Royal Mail to tell residents of their final plans. Again, it appears that this consultation is little more than a sham.

"It is clear that this is a Government that does not listen and a Royal Mail that has no interest in its customers. Rest assured that we will continue to campaign against this. "

Sir Menzies Campbell MP said, "What is the point of consultation when the Royal Mail simply plough ahead with their original proposals regardless of public opinion and the undoubted inconvenience which will be caused.

"I am particularly concerned about residents in Lower Largo, Cupar, Guardbridge and in the Scoonie Road area of Leven. In my view there is an overwhelming case for retention of these facilities which has simply been ignored."

ENDS