Plans to improve Royal Mail delivery office in Selby

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PLANS have been unveiled for improvements to Selby’s Royal Mail delivery office, which it has been claimed will safeguard jobs in the town.

Royal Mail has submitted an application to convert a large cycle storage shed at the Micklegate delivery office into an additional sorting office.

Currently, workers at the site sort inward and outbound mail for addresses across the Selby and district area, and changes in delivery methods have meant the use of bicycles is no longer appropriate, so the building is standing empty.

A Royal Mail spokesman said the application would make more efficient use of the buildings and staff available in Selby, but would not lead to the depot hiring extra workers.

He said: “We have submitted a planning application to convert the bike storage building at Selby Delivery Office into an additional mail sorting area to improve facilities for our staff and make more efficient use of our premises. Our service to customers would be unaffected by the changes.”

Coun Steve Shaw-Wright said even though the investment would not bring new jobs, it was still a positive step.

He said: “It is obviously good news for the Post Office, which is very valued in Selby.

“This limited investment secures the jobs that are there at the moment, and shows that the Royal Mail has faith in Selby for the future.”

Planning officers have looked at the application and noted the plans would not have any affect on the roads surrounding the depot, and building work would be designed to have minimum impact on the look of the building, and match existing work as closely as possible.

Letters of notification have been sent by developers to homes and businesses neighbouring the site.

The application will be decided by Selby District Council’s planning committee by March 14.