Whilst welcoming the decision to rethink the closure of the three threatened post offices in Walthamstow, it was a surprise to see Labour MP Neil Gerrard and ex-councillor Stella Creasey attempting to bask in the glory of this stay of execution (‘Stay of execution for at-risk post offices’ 15/5/08). 

Labour’s apparent hand-brake turn in its support for the closures is certainly welcome, but will justifiably be seen by local people as an attempt to save face in Waltham Forest by distancing themselves from their national Labour colleagues mistakes. 

However it is difficult not to come to the conclusion that these voices of dissent against the closures would have been more effective if used where they would have been heard the loudest – in Mr Gerrard’s case, within the walls of Parliament. 

Just last year, Walthamstow MP Neil Gerrard, alongside his neighbour Harry Cohen, voted AGAINST an opposition motion raised in Parliament which condemned the programme of closures and urged the Government to give our post offices greater freedom to develop their businesses. 

This mirrors the actions of local Labour councillors – including Ms Creasey - who were so quick to dismiss proposals by local Lib Dems that expressed grave concern at the Labour Government’s plans. 

Let’s make no mistake here – these are Labour closures being ‘opposed’ by Labour representatives because they know it affects their local electoral chances. 

Cllr John Macklin, Cllr Bob Belam, Cllr Bob Carey

Liberal Democrat Chapel End Councillors