NFSP calls for urgent support for post offices at North of England debate

SENIOR figures from local government across the North West will discuss how to safeguard the future of the region’s post offices this week at a special debate organised by the National Federation of SubPostmasters (NFSP).

The meeting will address how local government and other public bodies across the North can work with local subpostmasters to ensure that the post office network has a sustainable and vibrant future. Dozens of councillors, prospective parliamentary candidates, subpostmasters and representatives from business and Post Office customer groups are due to attend to have their say on the network’s future.

On the agenda will be the need for post offices to continue to provide local access to government, banking, mail and other vital services to individuals and small businesses across the North; and for councils to make full use of the post office network’s unrivalled geographical reach and high levels of public trust.

NFSP Executive Officers for the North West Bhavna Desai and David Hartley will both attend the debate, which takes place on Thursday, 5 November 2009 from 11.00 to 12.30 in the Council Chamber at Leeds Civic Hall.

Mrs Desai, who is also the subpostmaster at Newton Post Office in Swinton, Manchester, said:- “Despite recent post office closures and the promise of new work, the post office network remains at risk. The network can once again be a thriving resource for communities across the North West and the whole of the UK, but only if local and central government provide tangible new work for the public to access at the Post Office. This debate is therefore an important opportunity for us to highlight how councils across the North can provide the crucial support needed.”

Mr Hartley said:- “We know by talking to subpostmasters across the North West that while post offices remain an essential resource for the public and for small businesses, subpostmasters are still struggling to make ends meet.

Mr Hartley, who is also the subpostmaster at Bispham Road Post Office, Southport, continued:- “Councils’ recognition of the importance of post offices to local communities and local economies is welcome, but it is vital that local authorities hear how post offices can be helped to survive by councils making more services available at post offices. We welcome this event as a golden opportunity to work towards that goal.”

Addressing the meeting will be NFSP General Secretary George Thomson and Richard Bates of Consumer Focus. Leader of Leeds City Council Richard Brett, Elmet MP Colin Burgon and North Yorkshire County Councillor Shelagh Marshall are also among the representatives who will take part in the meeting, which will be chaired by Yorkshire Post Business Editor Bernard Ginns.

‘The Post Office Debate’ follows the launch of the NFSP’s Six Steps to a Sustainable Post Office Network report at the House of Commons earlier this year.  The debate will be part of a series of events across the UK’s nations and regions exploring with key stakeholders how local post offices can be sustained.

CIT ROBBERY - LONGMOOR LANE, WARBRECK MOOR

MERSEYSIDE Police are appealing for witnesses to come forward following a cash-in-transit robbery on Longmoor Lane, Warbreck Moor, on Monday, 2 November 2009.  Officers were called to the Lloyds TSB just after 10am following reports of a robbery whilst a security guard was delivering cash to the bank. The guard had made his way in to the bank and was followed by three offenders. Two went in to the bank, whilst the third man lit hand-held fireworks and stayed in the doorway of the building to ward people off.  The two offenders who went in to the bank assaulted the security guard and then escaped with the cashbox and the third offender from the bank in to a car driven by a fourth man. The vehicle was a silver Volkswagen Golf which was found abandoned on nearby Harradon Road less than 10 minutes after the robbery. Detectives believe that the offenders may have escaped in a second vehicle and are appealing to anyone who may have witnessed the offenders getting out of the Volkswagen and in to another car, to contact them.  The offenders were all wearing dark jackets and had their faces covered.  The security guard suffered cuts and bruising to his face and was left shaken by the attack.  Anyone with information which could help the police with their inquiries should contact detectives from the Matrix team on:- 0151 777 5608, or Crimestoppers on:- 0800 555 111.

DETECTIVE WINS INTERNATIONAL OFFICER OF THE YEAR - 2009

A Merseyside Police detective has achieved worldwide recognition after receiving the 2009 Officer of the Year award from the International Association for Women Police (IAWP).

Detective Constable Tracy O'Hara was presented with the prestigious award at the IAWP's annual conference in Seattle, USA. It follows the announcement earlier this year that Tracy had been voted the British Association for Women in Policing (BAWP) 'Officer of the Year'.

Jane Townsley, President of the IAWP and a chief inspector for British Transport Police, said:- "Tracy is an inspiration and a credit to her force. She shows high levels of commitment, enthusiasm, personal courage and sensitivity. The IAWP is proud to honour her and recognise her thorough commitment to policing by naming her as our 'Officer of the Year'."

Tracy joined Merseyside Police in 1996 and currently works in north Liverpool in one of the Force's specialist Sigma units, which are dedicated to investigating all forms of hate crime. She has been the chair of the Merseyside Police Gay and Lesbian Support Network for the last six years. As part of this role she is consulted on and regularly reviews policies and procedures, providing advice and guidance. Much of her work for GLSN, such as supporting staff and working with community groups and partner agencies, is done in her own time. She often works extended hours, deals with matters while off-duty and attends evening and weekend commitments.

She said the award was recognition of her work, energy and passion for policing. She said:- “Words cannot describe how proud, emotional and humbled I was the day I was presented with my trophy and my prizes. It was amazing to hear the response and appreciation of my colleagues from around the globe and the experience will remain with me for the rest of my life. I am so honoured and privileged to have this title and I thank my colleagues in Merseyside Police, my supervisor for nominating me and my family for always being behind me, bringing a smile during the dark times and never losing faith.”

Tracy has also worked with the Police with Pride working group for the last four years, which lead to 200 officers and staff attending the Manchester Pride event this year and has been responsible for highlighting the work of Merseyside Police on diversity issues and hate crime, as well as promoting initiatives nationwide.

While working in the domestic violence unit she launched police surgeries in the community, where domestic violence victims could attend and speak informally to a police officer in a safe environment. This scheme has now been extended to victims of hate crime and is very well attended.

Det Con O’Hara said:- “I am proud of who I am and will continue towards true equality for all within the police family and beyond regardless of sexual orientation, race, gender, disability, transgender, faith or age, and will always be proud to protect my communities and serve society.”

The IAWP holds annual award ceremonies to recognise high-levels of commitment and dedication shown by policewomen throughout the world. The Association represents the interests of women police officers internationally, aiming to strengthen, unite and raise the profile of women law enforcers. At its heart is the recognition that women police officers bring unique and invaluable skills to criminal justice agencies.

The IAWP is committed to further enhancing its members’ skills through professional development, training, recognition, mentoring, networking and peer support.

For further information about the IAWP, and to find out how to join, please visit the website.