Campaigners criticise axing of post offices as a 'formality' (From Warrington Guardian)

Campaigners criticise axing of post offices as a 'formality'

ANGRY campaigners have hit out at Royal Mail after the company confirmed that three Crewe post offices will be axed in the New Year.

Post Office Ltd delivered a killer blow to the campaign to save the Alton Street, Middlewich Street and Underwood Lane post offices last week when it confirmed that eight Cheshire branches will close next month.

The campaigners, led by MP Gwyneth Dunwoody, local councillors from across the political divide and local businesses, had hoped that a petition signed by hundreds of people and continued lobbying would change Royal Mail bosses' minds.

Cllr Bob Jones said: "I find the decision very disappointing, especially after speaking with the post office management, who said that nothing was set in stone.

"They said that they would consider moving one of the post offices from its existing position, but we haven't heard anything in that regard.

"It feels that the decision to close had been made already, and this will affect a great number of people.

"It is clearly a major blow, because we want to develop and bring investment into places like Alton Street, and taking away a facility such as this is instead reducing what is needed."

The three Crewe post offices join a further five Cheshire branches that face the axe, with the post offices in Barony Road, Nantwich and London Road, Sandbach also earmarked for closure.

Post Office Ltd, which blames the closures on a declining number of customers and increasing running costs, says that the impact the closures would have on the elderly and the disabled was taken into account, and that senior managers also visited the area to assess all aspects of accessibility.

The company believes that the closures will safeguard the future of the area's remaining branches.

Cllr Joyce Stockton, who fought to save the Barony Road post office, said: "It is a bitter disappointment for all the people who have worked so hard, and for the residents and businesses that will be greatly affected.

"I think it is a disgraceful example of discrimination against the elderly who live nearby, and it appears that the decision was a mere formality.

"All the councillors united on this issue, but it seems that the decision had already been made."