PLANS to cut much of the post office service in the area have been met with anger by those who say they will fight the decision all the way. Proposals to shut 12 branches in South East Cornwall, reduce a further eight to offering a part-time outreach service and scrap four mobile services were announced on Tuesday as part of Post Office Ltd's cost-cutting operation. Branches signalled for outright closure are: Addington (Liskeard), Albaston, Antony, Cross Park (Saltash), Golant, Luckett, Raleigh (Torpoint), Seaton, St Cleer, Tywardreath and West Looe. Services at Commonmoor, Lawhitton, Quethiock and St Ive are currently mobile, and are proposed to be converted to outreach services, along with branches at Lerryn, Polruan, St Neot and Trekenner. Existing mobile services at Cargreen, Merrymeet, St Mellion and Trevelmond are to be scrapped altogether. Their futures will be decided following a six-week consultation. However, protesters have vowed to fight for the right to keep what many are describing as a 'lifeline' service. St Neot residents called an emergency meeting debating the threat of closure last night, with similar meetings due to take place in other areas in the next few days. Plans to close Addington post office – while keeping the convenience store open – have been particularly criticised, given that the area is the earmarked for a development of around 475 new homes. John Turner, the leader of Caradon District Council, said that post offices are the lifeblood of small rural communities. He said: 'Having to travel to the nearest town or another village to reach a post office is no small matter.' Outgoing Liberal Democrat MP Colin Breed said the news was 'a heavy hit' to the rural community. He said: 'We should be encouraging people to use their local post office, and closing them flies in the face of this.' Mark Prisk, the Shadow Minister for Cornwall, said: 'This is yet another blow for rural communities.'
