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8 Aug 08Councillors Oppose Planned Post Office Closures
Borough of Poole is offering advice for those wishing to object to the proposed closure of three Poole post offices.
At a Council meeting on Tuesday 22 July a motion was passed urging the Post Office 
to reconsider their decision to close three branches in the area - Park Gates , Penn Hill Avenue and Sandbanks .
The decision approved at full Council is as follows: "This Council deplores the action of the Post Office in proposing the closure of a further three branches in areas of Poole where there are a very large number of elderly residents, the terrain is hilly in parts and has a sparse bus service. We call upon the Post Office to reconsider the closures and to work with this Council to ensure an adequate provision of branches to maintain what is a basic essential community service throughout the Borough".
Following the meeting, a letter was sent to the Post Office expressing concerns about the effect closures will have on the community, requesting they work with the Council to continue these services.
A document advising the community on how to object to a closure is on display at post offices affected around the borough. Those unhappy about the proposed closures should write to Post Watch and the Post Office with their views.
Objections should include concerns around specific and practical issues, such as:
- Access to public transport
- Parking and road difficulties
- The key services that will be lost to individuals
- Hills and difficult terrain
- The ability of the alternative local branches to cope with the increase of custom
- The demographics, with particular regard to the number of local people aged 70 plus and younger people
- Future housing developments
- The impact on local businesses, particularly small business ventures
Cllr Carol Evans, Ward Member for Poole Town, said: "We are particularly concerned about the needs of the elderly and those who cannot access Post Office services in other ways. An overwhelming number of residents who will be affected by these proposed closures have contacted myself and fellow Councillors and we have taken the decision to support the community in their fight to save these vital services."
The advice displayed in affected Post Offices can be viewed by selecting the document on the right hand side of this page.
Letters should be sent to The National Consultation Team, Post Office Ltd, FREEPOST CONSULTATION TEAM or e-mailed to consultation@postoffice.co.uk by 12 September 2008.
For further information on the advice given about objecting to a closure, please call Duncan Kerr, Economic Development Officer, on 01202 633301.
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