Post office closures 'unlawful'

http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/england/sussex/7659534.stm

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Closures of thousands of post offices are discriminating against disabled people, High Court judges have heard.

Disabled pensioner Judy Brown, from Hastings, Sussex, is challenging government moves to axe 2,500 branches.

Her representative James Goudie QC said the closures led to longer queues and Mrs Brown found it difficult to stand "for any length of time".

He is seeking a declaration that the government decision was in breach of duties under disability laws.

The case has been strongly contested by Royal Mail and the Department for Work and Pensions.

'Serious problem'

Mr Goudie said Mrs Brown and her severely disabled mother relied on their local post office.

But the Old Town branch in Hastings closed last week.

He said: "Although none of us like to queue, most of us can stand for lengthy periods, but Mrs Brown's particular disability makes it difficult for her to stand for any length of time."

And he added: "This applies to other disabled people in the country and does create a very serious problem."

He said: "The Secretary of State should have carried out a disability impact assessment which he has not done.

"Harm may have occurred which is irreversible but it is by no means too late for an assessment to be made."

The case continues.