Petition

In the House of Commons debate on the proposed closure of the High Lane Post Office in the Hazel Grove constituency, the government's position was not explicitly stated by a government representative. Instead, the debate was initiated by Lisa Smart, a member of the Liberal Democrats, who presented a petition on behalf of the residents of Hazel Grove. The petition called for the House of Commons to urge the government to keep the post office open in its current location and not to close it, as the petitioners declared that the post office service is vital for the local community. Smart highlighted that the petition had over 600 signatures collected by the post office staff and an additional online petition on her website with over 800 signatures, demonstrating the strong local support for keeping the post office open. The debate that followed did not feature a direct response from the official opposition. However, the discussion centered around the importance of the post office to the local community and the potential impact of its closure. Speakers emphasized the post office's role as a vital service, particularly for elderly and vulnerable residents who rely on it for essential transactions and social interaction. Concerns were raised about the inconvenience and hardship that the closure would cause for residents, especially those without easy access to alternative post office locations. The debate also touched on the broader challenges facing post offices across the country, with some speakers arguing that the government should do more to support and sustain these important community hubs. The potential economic and social consequences of post office closures were highlighted, with the loss of jobs and the impact on local businesses and community cohesion being key points of discussion. Overall, the debate reflected the strong local opposition to the proposed closure of the High Lane Post Office and the desire of the Hazel Grove community to maintain this essential service in its current location.