700 sign up to save Dagenham post office

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A PETITION protesting against the possible closure of a Dagenham post office has been signed by more than 700 people.

The owner of Y & A Patel, the shop which contains Becontree Heath Post Office, claims Post Office Ltd has appointed a new postmaster who wants to take the post office to another part of the borough.

Yakub Patel says many residents, especially the elderly, would be devastated if there was no longer a branch in the area, known as The Fiddlers.

He told the POST: "There isn't another post office within a mile and a half of The Fiddlers.

"Many people are very reliant on this one. Where will the older people who live around here go to get their pensions?"

Mr Patel started a petition protesting against the closure of the post office, which has stood in Green Lane for more than 40 years.

So far he has more than 700 signatures from concerned residents.

We spoke to a representative from Post Office Ltd, who said the application process for the new postmaster was still on-going.

She added: "Post Office Ltd is committed to retaining a post office in the immediate area and any changes of premises would be subject to public consultation."

But Mr Patel says he was told differently: "I got a call from the area manager saying they had offered the postmaster position to someone and that this person wanted to take the post office somewhere else in the borough.

"But that's all I know. I keep ringing them to find out what's going on but I can't get through to anyone.

"No-one has told me anything about a public consultation."

One elderly resident says he was distraught to hear the branch, which has been there for more than 40 years, may close.

William Hills, 87, of Fordyke Road, Dagenham, said: "I've been using that post office for years. I get my pension there.

"It's not easy for me to get around - what will I do if there isn't a post office in the area.

"Why do they keep shutting down post offices?