Post Office closures -Consultation
Posted by Claire Ward, MP for Watford, at 14:41, Sat 2 August 2008:
24 July 2008
Gary Herbert Network Development Manager Post Office Ltd C/o National Consultation Team FREEPOST CONSULTATION TEAM
Dear Mr Herbert,
I am writing to you regarding the Network Change Programme Area Plan Proposal for South Essex, South Hertfordshire and Buckinghamshire. I will be making specific reference to the proposals for my constituency, Watford.
As I am sure you can imagine, a large number of constituents have contacted me with their views on this issue. I hope to be able to adequately reflect these views in this submission. Of the three branches which you propose closing, the one which has met with the most opposition is the Bradshaw branch on Bushey Mill Lane.
Firstly I would like to state that I was very disappointed with the lack of information which was provided on the reasons for the specific closures. I fully understand the business case for the rationalisation of the Post Office network and note the criteria put in place to ensure that vulnerable groups have easy access to branches.
However, local closures must be properly justified and this has not, in my view, been adequately done in the consultation documents. For example, on paper the situations of Bradshaw Branch in my constituency and Highwood Branch in Hertsmere appear almost identical, if anything Bradshaw’s situation looks better given that it has a higher number of average customer sessions per week. Why then is Bradshaw due to close and not Highwood? The documents make no explanation and when I questioned Post Office officials on this they also could not give me an adequate response.
Many of my constituents suspected that the consultation was a ‘fait accompli’ and that the decision on closures had already been taken. I hope you will ensure that this is not the case and that the Post Office will give proper consideration to my constituent’s concerns.
I, like the many constituents who have contacted me, oppose the closure of the Bradshaw branch. My constituents have praised the helpful and friendly service which they receive there. Those who rely most on their local Post Office branch would be the elderly and disabled, particularly those with impaired mobility that depend on easy access to these services. The Bradshaw branch serves the Tudor and Knutsford estates which both have large elderly populations, indeed there are several sheltered accommodation blocks, such as Horwood Court, in close proximity to the branch. I have been contacted by a large number of elderly people who use the branch for their pensions and for paying bills. They are very anxious about the loss of this service. This factor does not seem to have been considered by the consultation. I note that there is demographic information included but understand that this information dates back to the last census in 2001. I am sure you will appreciate that in a constituency like mine, with a close proximity to London, demographic change over seven years can be substantial.
The alternate branches will not be convenient for many of my constituents with restricted mobility. The St Albans Road branch is a long walk away as is the branch in WH Smiths in the Harlequin Centre. Although there are regular bus services, one can sometimes wait for a duration of over 10 minutes. Such a long wait in the rain or cold would be very difficult for many elderly and disabled people. Furthermore, there is very limited parking at the St Albans branch and my constituents would have to use the multi-story car park in the Harlequin for the WH Smith branch. In order to use the Meriden branch my constituents would have to cross the very busy A41 road, another factor which does not seem to have been considered by the consultation documents.
Finally, there are a number of small shops near the Bradshaw branch including a charity shop and a pharmacy. There would undoubtedly be a detrimental effect on these businesses should the branch close and this in turn would have a negative effect on the local community. Furthermore, there is the nearby Greycaines industrial estate and the Wenta Business Park in close proximity. The businesses there also make use of the branch’s services.
I sincerely hope that the Post Office will carefully reflect on the above factors and take full account of my constituent’s valid concerns. As local people they are best placed to understand the impact which the closure of the Bradshaw branch will have on the local community. I would urge you to ensure that this vital service continues at the Bradshaw Branch.
Yours sincerely,
CLAIRE WARD MP
Comments
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Posted by RALPH KITTS, 21:48, Sun 3 August 2008: (Is this post abusive?) #
any closure of any public office is an eroision of choice and shoud be kept going at any cost you shoud put people befor profit years of mismanagement is the fault of management and years of contempt why shoud we the public suffer beause of your mistakes . r kitts watford
Posted by Peter Prigmore, 10:19, Tue 12 August 2008: (Is this post abusive?) #
Your concern for local post offices closures would be highly commendable had you not supported the governments position on post office policy. Royal Mail after all is a public service for the time being but i feel that messr's Leighton & Crozier are doing their best to pave the way for privatisation Peter Prigmore Watford