MP presents petition in bid to keep Guisborough sorting offi

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MP presents petition in bid to keep Guisborough sorting office open

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Guisborough sorting office protestors

TEESSIDE MP Tom Blenkinsop has presented a 5,000-plus signature petition to the House of Commons to save Guisborough’s sorting office.

As reported, it has already been decided that the Morgan Drive office will be relocated to Malmo Court, on Redcar’s Kirkleatham Business Park, next year.

Royal Mail says the switch will provide “improved working conditions, secure employment and a more cost effective operation”.

But Middlesbrough South and East Cleveland MP Mr Blenkinsop has presented the petition to Parliament signed by more than 5,000 people from Guisborough and East Cleveland - calling for the retention of the postal centre in the town.

The petition is due to be forwarded to Ed Davey, Minister for Postal Services, in due course.

Mr Blenkinsop said local people and businesses are concerned the move will mean a worse postal service in general and that some will have to make up to a 10-mile round trip to pick up undelivered parcels.

He said: “Since this proposal was announced by Royal Mail Group, the petition sponsored by the Communication Workers’ Union, has gone round the town, a protest rally has been held and the backing of the local football club was given in a match sponsored by the club dedicated to keeping the centre open.

“This proposal is all part of the dismemberment of the Post Office and Royal Mail network, with the Government only seemingly interested in preparing it for privatisation and a rapid sell-off to overseas predators.

“The writing may look like it’s on the wall, but I’m still fighting to keep Royal Mail facilities open in Guisborough.”

Royal Mail spokeswoman Marie Gray said: “The move of the Guisborough operation will provide improved working conditions and secure employment for our staff as well as ensuring a more cost effective operation.

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

She added that after the move customers will still be able to collect undelivered mail from Guisborough Post Office on Westgate, and that they can arrange for items to be redelivered free of charge.