BEST OF HEALTH

Last updated 19:45, Thursday, 19 June 2008

ARE we really surprised by this week’s confirmation that eight Allerdale area post offices will close?

It is just three months since the list of possible shutdowns was revealed. It wasn’t much time for public consultation when you consider the change and hardship that will be felt in some communities.

You get the feeling that the closure notices were already in the post.

We suggested that emotional arguments alone would not be enough to save the post offices. Instead, there had to be sound business proposals, post office by post office.

Cumbria County Council, Allerdale council, parish councils and Workington’s MP all weighed in with reasoned cases to save some, though not all, of the post offices. There have also been petitions signed by many people.

But it wasn’t enough, and the Post Office’s determination not to extend its consultation period suggests the game was already up.

So commercial pressures have again outweighed public service responsibilities, and older people in particular will feel the loss.

And its older people, often without their own transport, who will have to make the extra effort.

They really must feel they’re at the end of the line when it comes to getting the service they need.

WE can be proud of the local National Health Service workers who received excellence awards this past week.

They included many unsung team workers who we too often take for granted.

In an era of red tape, stretched resources and high demand their focus is always firmly on the needs of their patients.

The Times & Star was pleased to support these awards that showcased the very best of our health service.