A RECORD number of submissions, second only to London, have been made by Devon residents in response to Post Office Limited's (POL) proposed changes to the post office network. According to POL, Devon residents have recorded a staggering 7,500 responses to the consultation which threatens to close 71 Devon post offices, some associated with outreach services. Devon County Council has picked out eight post offices that are currently on POL's proposed closure or outreach lists that they believe should be retained within the network, including Bridestowe and Shebbear. The council has pledged financial support for some of the affected post offices, specifically where the impact on the local communities is greatest, to strengthen the outreach provision. Executive member for communities Cllr Brian Berman said: 'The number of responses received by Post Office Limited from Devon goes to show the sheer weight of feeling there is in support of our post office network. 'We have met again with Post Office Limited and they are aware of our deep concern to protect local communities, and of our willingness to strengthen some outreach services. 'The ball is currently in Post Office Limited's court. Our submission picks out services that we think should be retained and identified a further 27 services where we think POL have got their assessments wrong, and we have asked them to re-think their proposals.'
