I, too, wish you a happy Easter recess, Mr. Deputy Speaker.

I am presenting another petition against post office closures, on behalf of thousands of local residents in Kingston and Surbiton constituency, who oppose proposals to close five local post offices in the area. I am grateful for the help of the Surrey Comet, local newsagents and the thousands of local residents who signed the petition. There are just over 4,500 signatures at the time of presenting the petition, although more are coming in every day.

The petitioners call on Post Office Ltd to drop the plans to close the five post offices because they provide an essential service to the local community. Many vulnerable people will be hit by the plans if they go ahead, especially the elderly and disabled, not to mention the many businesses and other residents who will be harmed.

The petition states:

The Petition of local residents in the constituency of Kingston and Surbiton,

Declares that Post Offices on Surbiton Road, Hook Rise South, Burlington Road, and at Norbiton Common and Plough Green are of great importance to the local community and economy.

The Petitioners therefore request that the House of Commons urges the Government to reject proposals by Post Office Ltd to withdraw services from these post offices, in recognition of their importance to the local community and economy, and the absence of suitable alternatives.

And the Petitioners remain, etc.,

[P000170]