Andrew Turner the Island’s MP has expressed his dismay at the proposals to close 10 of the 51 branches on the Isle of Wight as part of the ‘modernisation’ process being undertaken by the Post Office.
Earlier this year the Post Office began a programme of closures that will result in the loss of 2,500 out of the 14,300 branches nationwide. The Post Office claim that nationally more than 80% of branches and 90% of customers will be unaffected by the proposed changes. However Mr Turner believes that the proposals will adversely affect some of the most vulnerable Islanders.
Mr Turner said:
“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the Post Office on the grounds that they made their decisions about which branches to close using incomplete and outdated information.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 also urges local residents to voice their feelings directly to the Post Office on this matter as the proposed closures have not yet been finalised.
The local public consultation for Hampshire and the Isle of Wight will commence today and will last for a period of six weeks, during which time residents are encouraged to send their views and comments regarding any problems that may be caused by the closure of their local branch(es).
The closing date for sending feedback to the Post Office is 26th November 2007.
If you would like to help save the Post Office branches in the Isle of Wight, please write 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@postoffice.co.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’.
NOTES: The Post Office have proposed closure of the following branches on the Island:
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
