MP ‘DISAPPOINTED’ OVER TEMPORARY CLOSURE OF WELLOW POST OFFICE

Wellow Post Office to close at the end of the month following the resignation of the postmaster – MP Bob Seely says he is disappointed. 

The community post office is due to close its doors for the last time on Thursday 30th January – although say this will be a temporary solution and are looking to relocate somewhere else in the area.

In a letter sent to the Post Office’s customers, it reads:

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“We are writing to inform you that, regrettably, following the resignation of the postmaster the above branch will be closing temporarily on Thursday 30 January 16:30. As a result Outreach service, Shalfleet PO30 4NQ which is also operated by Wellow Post Office will cease operating on Thursday 30 January 2020 at 12:00.

“I would like to assure you that we are currently investigating the options available which will enable us to reinstate a Post Office service to the local community. In exploring this, it is important that any future service is sustainable for the person operating the service, and for Post Office Limited.

“Future provision will reflect customer numbers and usage and we may take the opportunity to establish an alternative type of service. This may be a local style branch which runs alongside an established retail shop in newly refurbished premises and creates a more modern and convenient experience for customers.

“Looking after a nationwide network of Post Office services, we have a responsibility to make sure every service makes the best possible use of resources, while ensuring that customers
can still access our products and services. I can assure you that we will continue to work to find a solution that will provide a Post Office service to the Wellow community.

“If you have any questions you would like to raise about this matter, please write to me via the National Consultation Team at the address shown at the end of the letter. Please note that your comments will not be kept confidential unless you expressly ask us do so by clearly marking them “In Confidence”.

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“Any future changes to service provision would be handled in line with our Principles of Community Engagement. A copy is available at the end of this letter. We will display posters in the branch to inform customers.”

Mp Bob Seely has spoken out about the news and said:

“Disappointed to hear about the forthcoming temporary closure of Wellow Post Office and the outreach service at Shalfleet following the resignation of the postmaster.

“It is important to do all we can to retain these services in our rural communities. I will be monitoring the situation closely and seeking a meeting with the Post Office.”