Final appeal for support in fight to save post offices (From Wharfedale Observer)

Final appeal for support in fight to save post offices

1:56pm Friday 20th June 2008 in News By Jim Jack

LOCAL politicians are demanding that Post Office bosses listen to customers following a busy public meeting in Bramhope.

More than 70 residents, joined by MP Greg Mulholland, Councillor Barry Anderson, Parish Councillor Geoff Mills and Royal Mail and Postwatch representatives, turned out for the event at the Primary School last Thursday.

Post Office Ltd is proposing to close Bramhope PO along with Newall PO, in Otley, and branches at Station Road, Horsforth, and Kirk Lane, Yeadon. The consultation period ends on Monday.

Mr Mulholland said: "I'm sure the representatives from the Post Office left knowing that the people of Bramhope are completely opposed to the closure of their POs.

"It is completely ridiculous that a village the size of Bramhope is facing the threat of losing its PO and it was great to hear Bramhope's residents speak so passionately against the closure."

The Post Office's closure plan names branches at Pool-in-Wharfedale and Cookridge as two possible alternatives for Bramhope customers to use, should they lose their PO.

Mr Mulholland said: "Choosing Pool and Cookridge as the alternatives shows how little the Post Office knows about Bramhope.

"It will be easier for the majority of Bramhope residents to get to either Adel or Otley POs, but neither is at all suitable for most residents and it is likely that if Bramhope PO does close Adel and Otley would become intolerably busy.

"I urge the Post Office to re-consider their decision."

Councillor Anderson (Con, Adel and Wharfedale) said: "It was a very productive meeting with an excellent turnout showing the commitment of residents to keeping their PO. Now let's hope that as many residents as possible are able to write in raising their objections.

"I would also hope that the PO will seriously look at the poor public transport in the area along with the highways parking problems at the alternative locations."

Parish and ward Councillor Clive Fox (Con, Adel and Wharfedale) said: "Too often when I have asked people whether or not they have written in they say they are about to do so, whereas I want to be certain they have done so.

"There is no cost involved. Ironically, you don't need to get to Bramhope PO to buy a stamp - it is Freepost and there is an email option. It is important people stress that whatever Post Office Ltd say there is no regular bus service to the Green Lane alternative, and the hourly 940 service to Pool is quite simply not an option for many."

Aireborough Civic Society warned that the closure of the Kirk Lane branch in Yeadon would affect the most vulnerable members of the community.

The society claims that Post Office figures show that the threatened branch is used by 750-999 customers per week and it believes the branch is profitable.

The society argues that 1,000 new homes are due to be built in the Yeadon and Guiseley in the next few years.

And it stressed: "It would be extremely short sighted to close Kirk Lane before the impact of these developments in the area were known.

"The civic society works towards improving our local environment and community. This closure will clearly have a negative impact on both."

Members agreed to send letters of complaint to the Post Office and to Postwatch, the consumer watchdog for the consultation process.

Among its objections it highlights the fact that the area is hilly and says customers cannot be expected to walk to the two town centre post offices.

It concedes the fact that there is public transport, but argues that most buses are not accessible to disabled users.

It adds: "Local fares for short journeys are extremely expensive - the cost of using a bus from Kirk Lane to Yeadon or Guiseley centres would be £2 per person return.

"This would make the closure especially serious for the least well off."

The society also points to chronic parking problems in both Yeadon and Guiseley, warning the closure would "force many former Kirk Lane customers to drive to the alternatives, adding to existing parking problems".

It added: "The loss of the Post Office will probably make the shop unviable and it will close. This will cause great hardship to those without transport, and lead to an enormous increase in the number of car journeys made for small purchases."

Anyone wishing to comment on the closure plans should contact Adrian Wales, Network Development Manager, at Post Office Ltd, C/O National Consultation Team, Freepost Consultation Team or email via the postoffice.co.uk website.