Petition launched against Royal Mail relocation plans - Isle of Wight

[TrueBlueTerrier]

http://www.iwcp.co.uk/news/news/petitio ... 94359.aspx" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

A RALLYING cry has been sounded to "save the Freshwater posties" following news the town’s sorting office could close.

As reported, Royal Mail has launched a staff consultation on plans to relocate the School Green Road office to Newport from next month, sparking concern in Freshwater such a move could spell the end for local posties.

Freshwater South Cllr John Medland has launched a petition calling on Royal Mail to consider a new option — to use its Tennyson Road storage depot instead of transferring services to the delivery office at Dodnor.

He said staff could quit rather than spend an extra two hours driving each day, and warned of a loss of local expertise over time.

"This risks losing the expertise of our local staff, which is vital for an area that is acutely difficult, given the lack of numbered addresses and even missing house names.

"Local deliveries need local staff to memorise each house name to plan each daily round," said Cllr Medland.

"For the benefit of staff and residents, and in the long-term interests of a quality postal service, we are asking them to reconsider."

A Royal Mail spokesperson said no decision had yet been made.

"Should the proposal be adopted, our priority will be to maintain the high-quality postal service we currently provide, as well as ensuring the changes are implemented smoothly for our people," said the spokesperson.

"We would maintain a facility in Freshwater, where undelivered mail items can be collected. Additionally, we will reimburse delivery staff for additional travelling requirements. All Royal Mail staff are trained to a high standard and will continue to provide a first-class service." the spokesperson added.

The "save our posties" petition will be distributed to shops and businesses in the town. To sign the online petition visit tinyurl.com/IWCP-FWPO

[Pompey Boy]

Have heard that the Ventnor DO could be closing too

[Pompey Boy]

Let's hope the posties at Freshwater DO get more support from the press, media, the public, their MP and anyone else than we did/have.