Mike Penning calls on residents to use their local post office as consultation timetable is announced.

Mike Penning, MP for Hemel Hempstead, this week expressed his concern and frustration at news of further delay and uncertainty over Post Office branch closures.

A just-published document from the Post Office shows that the consultation over Post Offices in the Hemel Hempstead constituency will not start until May 2008.

Commenting on the news, Mike said: "Local Post Offices provide essential services to our villages and communities. This uncertainty is making it impossible for them to function effectively. It is doing the government's dirty work for them.

"This ongoing uncertainty creates confusion and worry, particularly for the older people who are used to using the local post office as their lifeline. I urge all who fear for their post office’s future to ensure they use the services whenever possible. In these uncertain times, the message I’m afraid is ‘use it or lose it’.”