Malmesbury sorting office to go

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THE Royal Mail has finally announced that it is to close the sorting office in Malmesbury next year.

But hopes that the facility could be moved to a site on the outskirts of town have been dashed with the announcement this week that the delivery office will be relocated to Wootton Bassett.

Tthe service blamed declining mail volumes and increasingly tough trading conditions for the move, which means posties will have to travel to the office at Wootton Bassett to collect mail for their rounds.

In a statement the Royal Mail said: “The move of the Malmesbury operation which delivers mail to customers in the SN16 postcode area will provide improved working conditions, secure employment and a more cost effective operation.”

It said detailed planning for the move would be carried out over the next few weeks to “ensure a smooth transition” for customers and staff.

A local facility would also be sought to enable customers to collect mail when a card has been left.

“With the introduction of this service there will not be any detrimental affect on the level of service we offer customers,” it stated.

Thames Valley delivery director Gary Burgess said: “We are telling our people about the move now before the detailed planning starts. We want to be able to work with our people on the change and have the opportunity to discuss the implications individually.”

He added: “There will be no compulsory redundancies as a result of this change and Royal Mail will also reimburse its people for any extra mileage incurred as a result of the move.”

Reaction in Malmesbury was swift.

Town Councillor Charles Vernon told the Standard: “The revenue cost for deliveries to this town will dramatically increase and the suitability of making deliveries here by van has to be questioned, not to mention the extra CO2.”

He said the current site had been unsuitable for years. “ However little effort seems to have been made to find alternative premises here.”

Wiltshire Councillor Simon Killane said the Royal mail were going to be asked to the next area board meeting on June 29 to explain the decision.

“We must also urgently investigate ways to make sure that local jobs and services are not damaged by these proposals,” he said.

Malmesbury Chamber of Commerce chairman Paul Baker was horrified.

“The Chamber's view is that this is a terrible decision for Malmesbury, for its businesses and people, and for the High Street,” he stated.

“It will mean a depreciation in local services, potential loss of jobs, and could mean another empty premises on the High Street, which at the end of the day is the heart of the town.”

He pledged support for a campaign to keep the facility open.

Rumours have surrounded the future of the delivery office for over a decade and there was an expectation that it would eventually move to a site adjoining Nurden’s Garden Centre.

However the relocation to Wootton Bassett next spring is said by the Royal Mail to be part of an investment and modernisation scheme that means new technology and upgraded facilities.