Whitstable - MP wins 'concession' over parcel collection

[TrueBlueTerrier]

MP wins 'concession' over parcel collection

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MP JULIAN Brazier says he has won a concession from Royal Mail over his fight to keep a sorting office in Whitstable.

He announced on Thursday that residents would still be able to collect parcels in the town when the sorting office closes and work transfers to Canterbury. The move is due to take place in February next year.

He said: "I am pleased Royal Mail has promised to make the Whitstable Post Office in Gladstone Road a parcel collection point.

"This means Whitstable customers won't have to travel to Canterbury if they have a parcel to collect."

He added: "I remain concerned by Royal Mail's plans to close the Whitstable sorting office.

"I have lobbied strongly for them to reconsider.

"But I am very happy with this concession we have secured."

However, Whitstable postman Chris Stone, who has been leading a campaign to retain the sorting office in Cromwell Road, claimed it was a hollow victory.

He said: "Unfortunately, this is not a concession at all. The facility already exists and customers will still be expected to pay £1.50 for the privilege of collecting each item.

"I wonder if Mr Brazier is aware of this or whether he has also won the concession to have the fee waived?"

He added: "I wonder if the staff and management at Gladstone Road are aware they will be expected to take the weight of the current service once the delivery office is moved to Canterbury?"

He said the delivery office in Cromwell Road had a whole room set aside for storing packages for collection and a dedicated member of staff, and questioned whether the Post Office would be able to spare staff and space for it.

Royal Mail spokesman Sally Hopkins said the collection service would start in 2013 when the delivery office closes.

She said: "Full details of the service will be available when these are confirmed.

"The interests of our customers will be considered as a top priority during these operational changes and we do not expect they will impact on the delivery service we provide to our customers."

[nuttyboy]

as per usual a tory mp comes up with a flimsy idea, the campaign was to stop the closure not aid royal mail . the gladstone road office is way to small and after one day they wont be able to cope , come on mr brazier think about the people who elected you.