Anger over post office Co-op move (From Hampshire Chronicle)

Anger over post office Co-op move

11:11am Tuesday 2nd March 2010 in

• Skip social links
• Print
• Email
• Comments(0)

Alresford residents have delivered a resounding thumbs-down to plans to move the town’s post office to the Co-op store next month.

More than 100 people packed the recreation centre last Thursday to hear representatives from both organisations hold a consultation on the proposed move.

But tempers flared as a spokesman for the Post Office announced the move had already been given the green light due to the current lease in West Street expiring and the postmistress retiring.

Roy Gentry, who organised the meeting on behalf of New Alresford Town Council, said that the revelation left many in the “mood for blood” during the two-hour meeting.

He said: “Everybody thought it was a consultation exercise and had a choice in the matter. The reality is that they did not.

“I was not aware that it was a done deal when we organised the meeting.

“But my own view is that Alresford was at risk of losing its post office and the fact that Co-op has stepped has got to be positive. “Although it’s change and people don’t like change.

But we have got no choice but to give it a go.”

There are now calls for a new post box to be built closer to the Co-op, bollards to protect pedestrians from traffic outside the new premises, and a future review of the service.

Steve Brine, the Conservative prospective parliamentary candidate for Winchester, said: “I do understand the retirement of the current postmaster at Alresford has forced a decision from the PO on its future.

“But I think they could have worked a lot harder to help find a new leaseholder and maintain the stand-alone service.

“I am sure we will all get used to it in time, and thank goodness the majority of the staff are moving to the new store.

“But ultimately I don’t think the relocation will lead to a better service for Alresford residents and that is deeply regrettable.”

Another spokesman for the Post Office caused confusion by claiming it was currently considering feedback from local residents and had not yet made a final decision over whether to relocate.

Meanwhile, the threatened Cheriton outreach post office is to stay open. The service had the same post mistress as Alresford, but a new one has been appointed and starts on March 12.

Gillian Gray-Knight, who owns Cheriton Post Office and Stores, said the post office will remain open for the same amount of hours, but may change its opening days, which are currently Monday and Thursday mornings.