Press Release

13 June 2005

Paice: Violent Crime A Factor In Post Office Closure

Jim Paice, MP for South East Cambridgeshire, has expressed his disappointment at today’s closure of Fen Ditton Post Office and pointed to the rise in violent crime as a key factor in the sub-postmaster’s decision to sell-up.

Jim said: “It is always extremely sad when a post office closes but in this case the violent crime that influenced the decision to cease operating is a real worry. The crime experienced by the post office - four armed robberies in six years – was a key factor in the decision by the sub-postmaster to close and has undoubtedly put off many potential buyers, which is something I am very concerned about. 

“I was disappointed to learn that the Post Office Ltd failed to provide support for the security systems so obviously required and hope that greater assistance is forthcoming to anyone interested in establishing a post office service at a new location in the village.”

Sandra Madahar, who runs the Fen Ditton Post Office, said: “We’ve had tremendous support from all the villagers, customers and the local police and would have closed a long-time ago if it wasn’t for them.”