Couple win fight to close Marshland post office

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A RURAL village shop and post office which has suffered from violent crime and falling trade will close its doors to the community after plans to build a house on the site were passed yesterday.
The Marshland Smeeth Post Office, on Smeeth Road, Marshland St James, run by John Davies, will shut for business as West Norfolk Council's Development Control Board made his wish to turn it into a new home a reality at Lynn's Assembly Rooms.

Since running the shop for more than 22 years Mr Davies has called it a day after he and his family have survived repeated violent attacks and attempted robberies, including four armed raids.

The existing pre-fabricated building, which also includes a two bedroom bungalow, detached single garage and former telephone exchange, will be demolished and a three bedroom chalet with a one bedroom self-contained annexe will be built on the land.

Mr Davies told the board: "My wife and I would like to retire."

He plans to bring in an outreach post office service to Marshland St James - successful in other isolated communities in West Norfolk - and his son, who grew up in the village, will move into the annexe.

Councillor Chris Crofts believed the planners' recommendation to refuse the application was "harsh."

This recommendation was mainly suggested because officials were concerned about the loss of a community service.

However the majority of board members felt the 17-year-old buildings were in such bad condition and the business was struggling so much that the application should be passed.

Councillor Michael Pitcher, borough Mayor, said: "It seems this business is past its sell by date. I think the gentleman has got every right to apply for planning permission. He does not have to feel he has to provide a community service."

Chairman Vivienne Spikings added: "I have seen they have tried their best and I have sadly seen how many times they have been robbed. I think they have done their lot for the community."

Mrs Spikings said about the outreach post office service: "It does turn up, it is reliable and it is supported."

At the end Mr Davies told the Lynn News: "I am very pleased."