November 18, 2008
PLEDGE TO RAWMARSH POST OFFICE CUSTOMERS
POST Office bosses have said they are committed to keeping a branch in Rawmarsh.
The pledge comes after a meeting last week between Wentworth MP John Healey and Post Office’s Network Development Manager, Adrian Wales.
Mr Healey called the meeting after Post Office Ltd (POL) decided to go ahead with plans to close the Parkgate branch, despite strong opposition. He was concerned about the future of the nearest alternative at the Bellows Road shopping centre, which is due to be redeveloped.
Mr Wales told Mr Healey they were committed to providing Post Office facilities long term at Rawmarsh and would work with the council to provide a solution, such as temporary accommodation, should the Bellows Road branch need to close to allow building work to take place.
Mr Healey also sought reassurances at the meeting for the people of Harley, who have also lost their post office in the latest round of closures. But Mr Wales ruled out the possibility of an ‘outreach’ or scaled down Post Office service.
Mr Healey is now putting pressure on Stagecoach, which operates the bus service between Harley and the nearest alternative in Wentworth, to put on a more suitable service for Post Office users. Currently just one service per day operates along this route. It would give customers just 11 minutes in which to make the 120-yard each way walk from the bus stop to the post office and carry out their transactions – but the bus only runs when Wentworth Post Office is closed for lunch.
He said: “I know the loss of Parkgate Post Office is a blow to residents and businesses in Rawmarsh but I am pleased at Post Office’s commitment to maintaining a service.”