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Public Outrage On Postal Decision Hundreds Of Protesters Crowd The Streets
Added: (Sun May 04 2008)
A dramatic event took place in Norfolk at the coastal village of East Runton involving a protest march against the closure of It's regional post office. Hundreds of banner wielding protesters gathered to march through the streets in scenes only witnessed during the second world war.
The protest was echoed with gatherings in Gimingham, Sheringham and Fakenham, all of which have post offices under threat. Public outrage concerning these actions have been paralleled with awful decisions throughout history including Beeching's blunder in pulling up railway lines in the UK that affected the heart of our British industry and is mirrored in our congested roads of today.
It was hard to comprehend that this emotional outcry was being held in modern times in a country that is presently placing emphasis on the concern for the elderly and education. Political parties joined forces to underline the seriousness of this latest strangle hold on vital village facilities that is spreading across the UK.
Norman Lamb from the Liberal Democrats delivered a powerful speech amongst cheers of approval "This is a really important facility for this village" said mister Lamb "I think it's outrageous that its proposed for closure! I suspect it was added quite late on in their operation and the crazy and outrageous aspect of this consultation is that if we save any post office they're going to close another one in Norfolk. Now is that a proper consultation? No! We have to speak with one voice across all political parties, across all the people in this village, to say we will not accept the closure of this post office. The fact that so many of you have turned out today is really important of getting that message across"
Parish Councillor Mike Ashwell, who helped organise the march, said: “The support is fantastic. It's at times like this that the British public are at their best. We have seen many situations like this in past fall on deaf ears with regrettable outcome. Lets hope that this will not end with another blunder for our grandchildren to read in history books. This is the biggest thing East Runton has seen in a long long time. The post office is important because it is not only a thriving business but is also a place where the community meets. It is a business that is growing and it is ridiculous that a business which is growing and thriving should close"
Sub-postmaster Stephen Bacon said he was overwhelmed by the show of support.
He said: “You can see the strength in feeling and we also represent those who are unable to march, let alone travel to another post office. We have an elderly population including semi permanent residence on the many holiday accomidations, thousands of tourists. We have a modern spacious office which has lead to an office in growth prepared to move forward"
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Related Link - You Tube Video
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F0XFr9ujJVA