AN MP, union activists, community campaigners and members of the public staged a protest recently over the future of a post office under threat of closure.

The demonstration took place at the Crown Post Office in Seven Sisters Road, Finsbury Park on Saturday May 27 to oppose plans to close the office and franchise out its services.

Protestors say this could be devastating for local people and businesses.

Labour’s prospective parliamentary candidate Diane Abbott was there, along with representatives of the Communication Workers Union (CWU).

Ms Abbott who is standing for re-election in Hackney North and Stoke Newington said she remembers visiting the post office with her mother when a child.

She said: “The people running Royal Mail know the price of everything and the value of nothing.”

Steve Jones, national executive member for the CWU, said: “The threat to Finsbury Park Crown Post Office has caused outraged among local people.

“Not only will it impact hugely on vulnerable people in our community, such as the elderly and the disabled, but there are dozens of local businesses, which rely on trade brought in by the thousands of people who use this post office week in, week out.”

Post offices in Harringay, Crouch End, Lower Edmonton, Muswell Hill, Stoke Newington and Stamford Hill are in similar situations.

Mr Jones, continued: “One of the biggest questions was; ‘Where will we go?’ “The answer to that is you could be queuing from your home to the post office that has been rammed into the back of WH Smith’s in Wood Green!

“If the post office closes it will be devastating for the area. It is at the heart of our community and we will do whatever it takes to keep it open.”

For further information contact Clive Tickner of the Communication Workers’ Union on 07587138735 or by emailing clive.s.tickner@postoffice.co.uk.