Protesters mob Tesco over Post Office closure decision

3.00.28am BST (GMT +0100) Sat 1st Oct 2005

Cllr Tom Smith-Hughes (supported by Lib Dem Stephen Robinson, right) addresses the crowd at the Broomfield Parade Tesco store

Over 100 residents gathered at Broomfield Parade on Saturday 25th September to protest at Tesco's decision to close Broomfield Parade Post Office. The action followed petitions and a letter-writing campaign involving 1,500 residents. Lib Dem Councillor Alan Arnot said, "Tesco has decided to close the post office despite efforts to get a new postmaster in place in another shop unit before the end of the year."

Local campaigners, led by Liberal Democrat councillor Tom Smith-Hughes, slammed the temporary closure which would force customers to make alternative arrangements and could threaten the viability of the future post office service.

Protesters are calling for residents in Chelmsford to boycott Tesco in Springfield Road and Princes Road between now and the end of November, (the date set by Post Office Ltd) to demonstrate their anger at Tesco's decision.

Cllr Peter Charman commented, "Tesco's decision is financially convenient for them but makes it very difficult for the new postmaster and for local residents."

Stephen Robinson (Chelmsford Lib Dem Parliamentary Spokesman) joined the demonstration along with his family and added, "This is not just a local issue. Tesco are closing many post office branches around the country and the Labour government are sitting idly by. It is time for action at a national level to protect the local post office network."