Residents opposed to plan to move Fenton Post Office

[TrueBlueTerrier]

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RESIDENTS are fighting plans to move their post office – 100 metres down the road.

The Post Office is consulting on plans to relocate their branch in Christchurch Street, Fenton, to vacant premises on the other side of the road.

The proposed move, to the old Coral bookies, would also see a convenience store set up inside.

But those objecting to the plans feel the town has enough grocery stores. They also claim access would be hampered due to the bus stop directly outside and elderly people would find crossing the road difficult.

Glenn Parkes, chairman of Fenton Community Association, said: “The area doesn't need another another convenience store. The existing post office is in a good location where customers can park outside. It also offers cards and stationery.

Read more: First class couple say farewell after 27 years as village Post Office moves

“A lot of people send and collect their parcels from there and pull up just outside to do so. That will be much more difficult if it moves. Royal Mail could even have difficulty if they have to pick up from two locations as the post box is outside the existing branch."

Councillor Mick Bell said: “There is nothing else they can offer us that we haven't already got here. To go to all these lengths seems a bit too much to be honest. There is no sense in it. I'd like to keep the branch where it is. There would be issues with the disability access to the new store too. The road down here can be chaos and this would just add to it."

Pensioner Margaret Johnstone is also opposing the move.

The 65-year-old, of Fenton, said: “I can't understand why they want to move it. Everyone likes it where it is. There are a lot of elderly people in the area and an extra 100 or so yards will be a lot to them."

The current branch also has a cash machine but it is unclear if that will move to the new branch.

Simon Drinkwater, the Post Office's regional network manager, said: “What we want for our customers is a long-term sustainable solution for the provision of Post Office services.

“The proposed new premises are vacant and will undergo a refurbishment to incorporate a bright modern main Post Office alongside a new retail offer."

[Lounge Lizard]

“The area doesn't need another convenience store"
Well if there are too many convenience stores one will shut.