It has been known for some time that many of the Island’s post offices are threatened with closure as part of the ‘modernisation’ process being undertaken by the Post Office. Among others, this includes the Post Office in Upper Ventnor.
From today a local public consultation for the Isle of Wight (and Hampshire) will kick off, lasting for six weeks. If you have concerns about how the closure of any of the Post Offices listed below might affect your community, take the opportunity to send your views and comments to the Post Office.
A total of ten of the 51 branches across the Island are threatened with closure and Island MP, Andrew Turner is one of many who is not happy about the prospect.
Nationally, according to the Post Office, more than 80% of branches and 90% of customers will be unaffected by the proposed changes. However, not the same is true for the Island says Mr Turner:
The loss of some of these branches could rip the heart out of village life as the Post Office provides a focal point in the village. Furthermore, it may cause severe difficulties for people living in our towns, especially those who are less mobile.
I will be working with the Rural Community Council to challenge the Post Office on the grounds that they made their decisions about which branches to close using incomplete and outdated information. I have also contacted Postwatch the industry watchdog to tell them of my concerns.
Mr Turner is keen to point out that the proposed closures have not yet been finalised, so it is vital that those who feel strongly about this issue, make their voices heard.
Send your comments to:
Tim Nickolls
Network Development Manager
c/o National Consultation Team
FREEPOST CONSULTATION TEAM
In your letter, remember to say which of the branches set to close you use and why it is so vital to you.
Alternatively, you can email your comments to consultation(at)postoffice(dot)co(dot)uk or call their Customer Helpline on 08457 22 33 44.
The Post Office has also stated that your views will not remain confidential unless you mark your correspondence with the phrase ‘In Confidence’.
Branches Proposed For Closure:
Branch Name Address Town Postcode
Calbourne, The Old Dairy, Calbourne PO30 4JA
Church, Hooke Hill, Freshwater PO40 9BL
Havenstreet, Main Road, Ryde PO33 4DH
Hunny Hill, 135 Hunny Hill, Newport PO30 5HS
Lowther 29 Newport Road, Ventnor PO38 1AW
Meadow Road, 22 Meadow Road, East Cowes PO32 6HU
Medina, 5-7 York Street, Cowes PO31 7BS
Strand, 38 Simeon Street, Ryde PO33 1JQ
West Street, 36 Swanmore Road, Ryde PO33 2TQ
Wilton Park Road, 23 Arthurs Hill, Shanklin PO37 6EZ
The closing date for sending feedback to the Post Office is 26th November 2007.
