Panic sets in over closure of village Post Office

[johnnyp]

http://www.thisiscornwall.co.uk/homepag ... ticle.html
Panic sets in over closure of village Post Office
Thursday, November 13, 2008, 16:15
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A WAVE of panic has gripped the Mousehole community following news that the village sub postmaster is closing the post office because of ill health.
Mick Wheldon's resignation has sparked fear that the service will be lost – weeks after neighbouring Paul village lost its post office in the wave of closures.
Leslie Blewett, owner of the village gift shop Cat & Mouse Gifts, said the post office was a crucial service that must not be lost "at any cost".
"So many elderly people rely on it and a great number of villagers don't have cars because parking is such a problem," she said.
"Rather than lose the service, I, and I think other people in the village, would seriously consider running one from our businesses."
Royal Mail said it is working with the community to find a solution.
Spokesperson Jaquie Stenson said interested business owners can apply to Royal Mail if they are interested in delivering the service.
"It is possible that a local retailer could provide a standard range of post office services which would enable villagers to collect benefits in cash using banking services or post office card accounts," she said.
An outreach post office generally offers up to 85% of the services of a sub post office.
Express parcel, special delivery services, or investment opportunities are normally not offered.
"The reduced level of service means the retailer can provide the service within their business without taking on extra staff or creating a lot of space," said the Royal Mail spokesperson.
Royal Mail said businesses interested in applying to run a sub post office were also welcome to apply.
● Phone 08456 016260.