MP defends Post Office vote

The Christchurch Road post office, Newport, was handed a reprieve last week when Post Office Ltd decided against initial proposals to make it one of more than 20 earmarked for closure in Gwent.

Letters to the Argus branded Ms Morden a "hypocrite" for giving her public support to saving Christchurch Road and then voting against the motion to halt the closing process of other branches in the House of Commons last Wednesday.

One letter from M.R Mayo read: "No wonder politicians are held in such low esteem. It's what I call being 'two-faced'".

Another, from Carmel Townsend, wife of Newport Liberal Democrat councillor Ed Townsend, said: "It is disgraceful that she should have been seen to back people in their quest to keep this business open, while voting against a Conservative motion to halt the process of closure."

Ms Morden said: "I couldn't back a Conservative motion when they have closed thousands of post offices before and had refused to sign a funding pledge."

Ms Morden said she believed Post Office Ltd losing an estimated £4 million a week meant there was no option but to close several offices.

"I understand there are a number of post offices across the country that are losing money and we can't keep open all of these," she said.

"I was quite clear at the meeting that I did think Christchurch Road was different. It was blooming and has potential to grow.

"We've got to all use post offices more and make sure they're viable."

She said she was "delighted" Christchurch Road had been saved, and added: "I think it's my job as an MP to raise legitimate concerns that constituents have and in this case I was proved right. I am extremely pleased Post Office have changed their minds."