Published: Tuesday, 30th December, 2008 11:20am

New Post Office Fears

by Roisin McGroarty

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THE future of South Ayrshire"s post offices have been put into further jeopardy by the revelation that the Royal Mail is being partly privatised.

Dutch firm TNT has confirmed that it expects to take a significant minority stake holding in Royal Mail, investing as much as £3billion for around a third of the company.

It"s a fresh blow to South Ayrshire which has already seen 10 branches axed this year, with local action and the Advertisers" Save Our Post Offices" Campaign managing to save Forehill"s branch.

The news has been condemned by local MSP Adam Ingram who believes that part-privatisation will almost 'inevitably lead to job losses' at the Royal Mail and possible closures of some post offices and changes in services.

Speaking to the Advertiser Series Mr Ingram said: 'This statement is deeply worrying to everyone who has the interests of Royal Mail at heart. The dust from the last round of closures has barely settled, and now it seems the Westminster Government is set to force even more Post Office"s out of business.

'2,500 Post Offices have already closed over the last year with 10 Post Offices lost in South Ayrshire. This latest move would be a disaster for the remaining Post Offices with a serious prospect of new closures.

'It is clear that Labour are prepared to go where not even Mrs Thatcher dared, and privatise large parts of Royal Mail.

'Whatever assurances are now being offered, this will inevitably lead to a run down of the service and substantial job losses.

'This is not the way to guarantee a Royal Mail fit for the 21st Century. What is needed is a clear commitment that Royal Mail will receive the investment that it desperately needs.'

Showing support for local branches MSP John Scott recently visited Ayr delivery office while MP Sandra Osborne and MSP Cathy Jamieson paid a visit to Girvan delivery office.

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