Story: Caroline Harris
Our three local post offices face possible closure by November 2008. Dave Milner, National President of the National Federation of Sub-Postmasters, told me that the Federation supports Post Office Ltd’s programme of “network change” as opposed to “unmanaged closures” which would otherwise be forced on them by the Government.
“Network change” means that vital public consultation will take place before any post offices are closed, and that post offices will only be closed where there is an overlap in provision, so causing the least inconvenience to the public and detriment to services.
Post Office Ltd will announce South Yorkshire closures on a weekly basis, area by area, from late July 2008. Following each announcement, there will be a 6 week consultation period during which interested parties and pressure groups can register their appeals should they so wish. Post Office Ltd will then consider these appeals over the following two weeks, so the final decisions will come eight weeks after the public announcement in each area.
The Messenger supports our local post offices; they play a vital role in our community, for example we now have a (free!) cash machine outside Ellesmere post office, which is in constant use.
Further information regarding closures is on the Post Office website. The Messenger will also be following the situation closely and will keep you informed.