'Let's use the Rock to save post offices'
Jul 6 2009 The Journal
John Wright, chairman of the Federation of Small Businesses, said: “Northern Rock presents the Government with a considerable opportunity. It should not consider selling it off privately, but instead, should use it to establish a Post Bank and invest in the long term future of the Post Office.
“Following the start of the economic slowdown last year, small businesses have experienced a sharp decline in access to finance and we estimate 120 small businesses are closing every day as a result of these tough conditions.
“The Government must choose between short-term profit and securing the long term future of financial services at the Post Office by establishing a trusted and non-profit making bank run through the post office network.”
Dot Gibson, general secretary of the National Pensioners Convention said: “The Post Office is one of our greatest assets, but it needs a forward-thinking government to grasp the opportunities that the banking crisis has created. A People’s Bank at the post office would be popular with both the pubic and business, and today’s report shows how this could be achieved.
“Ministers need to rise to the challenge and secure a future for the post office network that serves local communities rather than pander to those who want to run it down and sell it.”
Page 3: Society ridicules takeover reports
