Post Office move "not a good idea for the town"

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A SECOND post office in Poundbury could detract business from its first, which has been open for less than six months, according to councillors.

As reported by the Echo, a consultation has been taking place regarding a proposal to relocate the Maud Road Post Office in Victoria Park to Poundbury Village Stores.

Councillors at Dorchester Town Council saw another 'lively debate' regarding the potential move at last week's planning and environment committee.

The Post Office says the proposal would see the relocated branch open for an extra 52 hours and 30 minutes a week including all-day on Sundays and on Saturday afternoons.


It added that the proposed new location also has improved access.

However, Victoria Park residents have expressed their "shock" at the proposal and have argued that Poundbury doesn't need two Post Offices leaving them with none.

Susie Hosford, chairman of the planning and environment committee, said the general feeling among committee members was that the proposed relocation was not "a good idea for the town".

She said: "We had quite a lively debate surrounding the potential Post Office move.

"We recognise that the facilities at the new location may be an improvement, but it's not all about that. Residents in the Victoria Park area will not be able to make a quick trip to the Post Office.

"It won't be accessible to them. And it is a well-used and vital shop for a lot of our residents.

"There is a danger that by moving the post office to Poundbury it could detract business from the one that has just opened in at Buttermarket Stores, on Butter Market.

"Councillors didn't believe it would be a good idea for the town."

Cllr Gerald Duke is leading a campaign to keep the Post Office in Maud Road.

In his petition he writes: "The proposed relocation presents problems not only for those in Victoria Park but also threatens the viability of the existing Post Office services in Poundbury."

Cllr Duke suggests possible solutions include one of the existing businesses in Maud Road taking on Post Office services or the existing Post Office sub letting part of its premises for additional income.


The Post Office says the proposed move is part of a modernisation programme that would “secure services for the future”. It also stressed that the relocation would be with the current postmaster’s agreement and residents were urged to get involved in a public consultation exercise, which concluded yesterday.