Essex Road Post Office saved!

3.43.02pm BST (GMT +0100) Fri 9th May 2008

Sarah, Nick Clegg, and Islington Lib Dems campaign to save Essex Road Post Office

Success in keeping open Essex Road post office in Islington has resulted from a determined campaign by local Liberal Democrats led by parliamentary spokeswoman Bridget Fox, and supported by London's Lib Dem MEP Baroness Sarah Ludford and by leader Nick Clegg MP.

Despite the hundreds of Post Offices threatened with being shut round the country, Islington residents have been spared, and the Essex Road office is one of the very few where the Post Office has withdrawn its closure plan.

Speaking after a celebratory meeting of local campaigners in Islington, who all signed the Liberal Democrat petition to save the Post Office, London MEP Baroness Sarah Ludford said:

"This fantastic news shows that local campaigning led by Liberal Democrats committed to their local community really can deliver results. I am very proud that Nick Clegg found the time to get personally involved and add his weight, which surely made a difference."

"The Post Office proposal to franchise the business at this branch must be monitored, but as long as local services are protected, we can celebrate this victory. Islington residents can rest assured that we will continue to work in their best interests and to keep the services we all need."