The future of London s post offices is a matter of great concern to new mayor Boris Johnson, who will be continuing with the judicial review challenge to the consultation on the closure programme. A preliminary decision on this challenge is expected from

The future of London's post offices is a matter of great concern to new mayor Boris Johnson, who will be continuing with the judicial review challenge to the consultation on the closure programme.

A preliminary decision on this challenge is expected from the High Court shortly.

As we all know, London has already experienced disproportionately high levels of post office closures in recent years compared with other areas of the country.

The Post Office has not provided convincing evidence that further closures in London are necessary on economic grounds.

Community-based enterprises such as post offices provide vital services for Londoners, especially older residents and families - and they should be protected. Post offices are crucial in supporting local retail. And where a post office closes, small businesses and the local community suffer.

The mayor will also continue to welcome and support initiatives by councils and others to help keep post offices running.

I have written to the Post Office's managing director to assure him that the Greater London Authority will be pleased to discuss further how we can input most effectively into the development of new and improved post office services, while not ignoring the fact that the consultation process on closures was too short - and the mayor is making a legal challenge to this effect.

Ian Clement

Deputy Mayor - Government Relations