POST OFFICE CLOSURES: Councillor's plea for campaigners to write letters, not sign petitions

By MAGGIE GIBSON

CAMPAIGNERS fighting to save post offices threatened with closure need to write individual letters of objection rather than sign petitions.

Fenland Councillor Fred Yeulett, who is chairman of the Post Office Network Change Group (PONCG), says he believes the Post Office will take more notice of letters from individual users.

He said: "I understand why people are keen to sign petitions but the best thing is for individuals to write their own letters. The Post Office takes more notice of these letters than petitions."

Cllr Yeulett's comments came after a Fenland District Council post office closure briefing with representatives of the Post Office and Postwatch. He said it was important to provide any key facts and figures to the Post Office which may have a bearing.

He said the meeting would enable councillors to brief constituents during the consultation period which ends on August 26.

Councillors raised concerns and questions that constituents have already voiced on the four proposed closures at Benwick, Christchurch, St Peter's Road, March, and Harecroft Road, Wisbech.

During a question and answer session councillors expressed fears that closure of St Peter's Road branch in March could overwhelm the post office in Broad Street.

They were told it was felt Broad Street could accommodate the extra customers and the Post Office does have funds available to make improvements to the branches remaining open.

Post Watch admitted it does have concerns about the closure of St Peter's Road but needs strong evidence to ensure it remains open.

Councillors said the closure of the Harecroft Road branch in Wisbech would lead to further parking problems outside the main post office. There are already double yellow lines outside the main office but some users continue to park causing traffic congestion.

It was also pointed out by councillors that there is a possibility of Leverington Post Office closing with the retirement of the current sub-postmaster. They were told that whether a sub-postmaster wants to remain running a post office is not taken into account by the proposals.

Many residents feel the closure of the post office at Christchurch would be the nail in the coffin for the village. Other residents want to know if the provision of an outreach service for three hours a week in Benwick could be extended. Councillors were told it could be extended if it proved feasible and that also applied to other outreach services.

INFORMATION: Responses should be sent to National Consultation Team, Post Office Ltd, FREEPOST CONSULTATION TEAM (no stamp required) or consultation@postoffice.co.uk