6th February 2008

Post Office Closures

Update 19th March 2008. Click here for the Labour Rebellion on Post offices Slashes Majority article, including links to various news articles.

The Post Office public consultation has now drawn to a close. Despite the best efforts of all those involved in the campaign against closures in my constituency there has been no change to the Post Office’s position.

Buckminster, Old Dalby, Somerby and Tilton-on-the-Hill, are set to become outreach branches and Exton, Stonesby and Whissendine are still due to close.

This is simply not good enough. This decision renders the consultation process as nothing more than a token gesture. Our protests appear to have fallen on deaf ears. I feel angry for those who have campaigned so vigorously and I am livid with this Government for being content with managing the decline of the Post Office network.

I have arranged for a meeting with the Post Office to express my anger at the decision and to discuss the possibility of amending their final ruling.

Below is a copy of the information I received explaining the reasons behind the decisions taken on each of the branches mentioned above.

Closure Decisions

Post Office® Exton branch
A relatively small amount of feedback was received in relation to this branch, which highlighted the main issues of distance to the alternative branches, and the availability of public transport. The first alternative branch at Cottesmore is situated just over three miles away, however there is a regular bus service to this branch and to the second alternative branch at Greetham with free public transport for elderly and vulnerable customers. Both branches offer longer opening hours, with additional services and level access is available at Cottesmore for customers with mobility difficulties.

Taking these and all other relevant factors into account, Post Office Ltd has decided to proceed with the closure of Exton branch.

Post Office ® Stonesby branch
A general submission was received objecting to the closure of Post Offices within the Rutland and Melton parliamentary constituency including this branch, although no specific issues were raised in relation to our proposal for Stonesby branch. There were no other responses concerning Stonesby branch. A review confirmed that the branch had low customer numbers and the alternative branches are easily accessible by car.

Taking these and all other relevant factors into account, Post Office Ltd has decided to proceed with the closure of Stonesby branch.

Post Office® Whissendine branch
Limited correspondence was received on this branch, which mainly concerned the distance to alternative branches and the availability of public transport.
A review confirmed that there are low customer numbers at this branch, and the alternative branches are in the main market towns serving the area which are easily accessible by car. There is evidence of high car ownership within the village.

Taking these and all other relevant factors into account, Post Office Ltd has decided to proceed with the closure of Whissendine branch.

Outreach Post Offices

Post Office® Old Dalby branch
Respondents’ main issues were the impact of change on the local community and local business and on the future of the local shop. Respondents highlighted the lack of bus services to Long Clawson and stated that many customers do not have cars. Several suggestions for the provision of an Outreach service were also received, the village shop being the favoured option.
Having regard to all comments received during the local public consultation and all other relevant factors, Post Office Ltd has decided to proceed with the closure of this branch and replacement with an Outreach service.
Full details of the Outreach service are currently being finalised and will be communicated as soon as possible.

Post Office® Somerby branch
Respondents’ main concerns were the impact of any change on vulnerable customer groups; the availability of public transport; the distance and the nature of routes to alternative branches for people with mobility problems. They highlighted that any change could impact on the future of the only shop in the village and the retention of their cash machine at this branch. Some respondents suggested that an Outreach proposal of eight hours a week was inadequate and suggested four hours a day.
Having regard to all comments received during the local public consultation and all other relevant factors, Post Office Ltd has decided to proceed with the closure of this branch and replacement with an Outreach service.
Post Office Ltd has reviewed customer usage at the existing branch and has decided to replace the current service with a Hosted service offering 8 hours per week from the site of the current branch.
Opening hours will be as follows:
Mon & Thurs 13:30 – 17:30

Post Office® Tilton on the Hill branch
Respondents’ main concerns were the impact of change on vulnerable customer groups; the impact on local businesses; the availability of public transport; the distance and difficult nature of the routes to other branches for people with mobility problems, and the impact on the future of the local shop. The excellent service provided by the staff at Tilton on the Hill was also highlighted.
Having regard to all comments received during the local public consultation and all other relevant factors, Post Office Ltd has decided to proceed with the closure of this branch and replacement with an Outreach service.

Post Office Ltd has explored various options in relation to the provision of an Outreach, and has decided to introduce a Hosted service offering 10 hours per week from the site of the current branch.
Opening hours will be as follows:
Mon 09:00 – 12:30
Weds 09:00 – 12:00
Fri 09:00 – 12:30

Post Office® Buckminster branch
Respondents’ main concerns were the impact of any change on elderly people, the wider community and those who have to use public transport. Comments raised by respondents regarding an Outreach service included suggestions for a Hosted or Partner service from the village shop.
Having regard to all comments received during the local public consultation and all other relevant factors, Post Office Ltd has decided to proceed with the closure of this branch and replacement with an Outreach service.
Post Office Ltd has explored various options in relation to the provision of an Outreach, and has decided to introduce a Mobile service which will provide customers with weekly access to Post Office services within the village. Full details of the Mobile service are currently being finalised and will be communicated as soon as possible.