Post Bank Can Work If Government Give The Green Light

5.16.36pm BST (GMT +0100) Tue 12th May 2009

Liberal Democrats have taken the fight to keep Sheffield Post Offices open back to the government, with a new idea for a Post Bank.

Lib Dem Council Leader Paul Scriven has asked council officers to write to Pat McFadden MP, Minister for Employment Relations and Postal Affairs to ask about the possibility of Government funding to support the idea of a Post Bank network.

Council Leader Paul Scriven said: 'The Post Bank network would offer services similar to any high street bank but with a community ethos. The Government have said they will look at this, but they now need to act and put their money where their mouth is, the same way that the council are doing."

Post offices already offer a range of banking services such as savings accounts, credit cards, insurance and currency exchange, as well as offering customers access their accounts with high street banks.

Paul added: 'The minister has said that the government would support the idea of a Post Bank as a potential option for developing business opportunities. I hope that they will give the idea serious consideration and get back to us quickly. I have already instructed the council to say that Sheffield is up for it, if the Government are willing."

Local people do not need reminding that it was the government who took the decision to close their Post Offices in the first place. But now Labour have a chance to offer some compensation; I just hope that they will not let local people down again.'