Post office refuses to back down on closures
OUTRAGE erupted across Harrogate this week at it was confirmed that the fight to save four post offices has been lost.
Post Office Ltd's decision to close all four branches it initially proposed – Woodlands, St Winifred's, Harlow Hill and Roche Avenue – was described as 'draconian' and 'disappointing'.
Almost 3,000 people had signed the Harrogate Advertiser's petitions against the closures, many people had written to the Post Office and Harrogate Council met with representatives of the Post Office to plead for a re-think.
But David Mellows-Facer, Post Office's head of area, said this week that having considered all the points raised, he still thought it was right to close the branches.
It was hoped that at least would stay open but the Post Office said this week that St Winifred's would close on August 17, Harlow Hill on August 19 and Roche Avenue and Woodlands on August 21.
Phil Willis, MP for Harrogate and Knaresborough, said the decision completely ignored those local people who had written to the Post Office or signed petitions.
"I am appalled that such draconian measures should have been taken," he said. "Once again it is those most in need of local services who will lose out."
Harrogate Council leader, Coun Mike Gardner, said the council may write to the Post Office, expressing its "extreme disappointment" at the decision.
"After all the effort we've put in and making sure they're absolutely clear about our concerns, it's very disappointing they have not taken on board what we said and it will have a massive impact on our community," he said.
But Mr Mellows-Facer said: "We received a number of comments and a couple of petitions from customers and local representatives. While I appreciate that it will be inconvenient for some customers to use an alternative post office, I have taken into account the local terrain, parking and public transport.
"A senior manager has also visited the area and 'walked the ground' to assess all aspects of accessibility.
"However, having carefully considered all the points raised, I still believe that the permanent closure of these offices is the correct course of action. I am confident that other branches in these constituencies are suitably located and can cope with the extra business these closures will cause."
isabel.field@ypn.co.uk
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Monday 21 May 2012
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