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We will be forced to walk or drive if post office closes
12:00pm Saturday 6th September 2008
By Lucy Tatchell »
ELDERLY users of a post office believe they will be stranded if their branch closes.
Poolbrook Post Office in Malvern is one of 10 in south Worcestershire, that is threatened with closure after last week’s announcements, but residents are fighting the decision.
With no bus route to the nearest branch in Barnard’s Green, people will be forced to drive or walk.
One post office user is Leonie Rimmer, of Hayes Bank Road.
She said: “Knowing the number of older people using the post office I do not think they have done their homework.
“They think to walk one mile and back again is just fine. Not everyone has a car and the bus service is not good.
“It is a community place and it is amazing the people you meet there.
“It is an asset and an asset should not be stripped away from us.”
The proposed closure is part of a national programme to reduce the number of post offices in the country following a fall in the number of people using them.
Closures are based on access criteria, which says 99 per cent of the population should be within three miles of a post office.
A petition fighting the closure of the Poolbrook branch has been signed by more than 300 people and post office manager Ali Poole has been overwhelmed by the support.
“To me, it is more than a job, so we are going to do everything we can and will fight it to the bitter end,” she said.
Poolbrook Post Office is the only branch with disabled access in the area and many fear using the alternative in Barnards Green will be impossible.
George James, aged 83, of Poolbrook Road, said: “I think it is a mistake. All they are doing is forcing more vehicles on to the road because we cannot walk there.”
Another user, Doris James, 77, of Poolbrook Road, said: “I feel very strongly about this as I use the post office every week.
“There has been one in the area for at least 80 years.”
A six-week period of public consultation began on Wednesday, August 27, and you can express your views by writing to Mark Partington, network development manager, c/o national consultation team, Freepost consultation team.
Your Say Your Worcester
Common Sense, Pershore says...
9:58pm Sat 6 Sep 08
Having had a sub-post office for 6 years, (1978-84) I can confirm what you say is correct!
"If the door ain't swinging - the Tills ain't ringing"!
The shop trade, without the PO side, is not always viable, so "use it or lose it" is correct.
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Disappointed: Leonie Rimmer with a group of petitioners outside the Poolbrook Road post office in Malvern. 36002101.
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sld, worcester says...
4:47pm Sat 6 Sep 08