THE Communications Workers' Union is holding a public meeting to discuss its opposition to the proposed privatisation of the Crown Post Office in Northolt Road, South Harrow.

The aim of the meeting, at 8pm on January 27 in the Baptist church hall in Northolt Road, is to co-ordinate resistance to the takeover by K.P Retail Ltd.

The union said that the primary business of the new store would be selling cards and gifts, and there would be fewer Post Office counter positions, meaning longer queues.

CWU regional chairman Huw Davies said: "The workers at the South Harrow Post Office, including the manager, have over 150 years combined service between them. K.P Retail will come along and replace them with people it has have trained for two weeks."

He added that when nearby Post Offices in Alexandra Avenue and Northolt Park closed, residents were told that one of their nearest alternatives would be South Harrow branch. But within nine months, that was earmarked for cutbacks.

Jackie Ilesley, local head of Post Office Ltd, said: "Our teaming up with K.P Retail will mean a substantial investment so customers are given the highest quality service possible.

"We fully appreciate and share our customers' high regard for the existing staff and will do all we can to ensure they are properly looked after."

The Post Office is inviting customers and representative groups to give their views. Written submissions should be sent to: Ms Ilesley c/o National Consultation Team, PO Box 2060, Watford, WD18 8ZW, by February 24.

The CWU has collected more than 500 protest letters and is urging people to write to Ms Ilesley and to Kay Dixon, chairman of the consumer watchdog Postwatch at 28 Grosvenor Gardens, London, SW1W 0TT.

Anyone interesting in helping to man a stall outside the Post Office to collect more letters should call Mr Davies at the CWU on 020 8423 2296.

K.P Retail could not be contacted for comment.