DECISIONS ON POST OFFICE CLOSURES

Post by **TrueBlueTerrier** » 31 Aug 2008, 16:12

Decisions announced on the future of Post Offices in Greater Manchester and High Peak
12/08/2008

Post Office Ltd today (Tuesday) announced decisions on the future of Post Office branches in Greater Manchester and High Peak, following a six-week public consultation which ended on 21 July 2008.

Post Office services will be provided through a network of 316 branches which supports the national accessibility criteria introduced by the Government and ensures that 99.2% of this area’s population will either see no change to their existing branch or will remain within one mile (by road distance) of an alternative branch.

The announcement today means that 62 branches will close in Greater Manchester and High Peak, with the first closures scheduled to take place in mid-September. These branches were detailed in the Area Plan proposal published on 10 June.

Four branches originally proposed for closure - Edge Lane Post Office, Manchester Road, Droylsden; Sutton Post Office, Tunnicliffe Road, Sutton Lane Ends, Macclesfield; Lees Post Office, High Street, Lees, Oldham; and Spotland Road Post Office in Rochdale - will now remain open, following a review of the issues raised during consultation.

Because these four branches will not now close, Post Office Ltd is proposing the closure of two other branches: Broadoak Road Post Office on Broadoak Crescent, Ashton-under-Lyne, and Higher Tonge Post Office on Oldham Road, Middleton. A six-week period of local public consultation will commence shortly on the proposed closure of these two branches.

This will ensure that the planned future network can be supported by the available funding from Government and meets the criteria it has set, including the requirement that no part of the UK is advantaged or disadvantaged relative to other areas.

The proposal to close Trafford Park Post Office on Third Avenue is currently in the process of a further review. This is expected to be concluded in the near future after which a final decision will be announced.

Full details of the decisions and the issues raised during local public consultation are available by visiting www.postoffice.co.uk/networkchange or by writing to Post Office Ltd at Freepost Consultation Team (no stamp needed) or by emailing consultation@postoffice.co.uk.

During the six-week local public consultation, Post Office Ltd received around 5,700 responses and attended 43 meetings with customers and their representatives to understand their concerns and to ensure that all information provided by them formed part of the final decision regarding each affected branch.

Richard Lynds, Post Office Ltd’s Network Development Manager North West, said: "These are difficult decisions which have not been taken lightly. We have considered very carefully all the comments made during the public consultation. We believe that the plan announced today offers our customers in this area the best prospect for a sustainable network in the future, bearing in mind the Government’s minimum access criteria and the other factors the Government has asked us to consider."

Ends

Issued by the Press Office

Note to editors

Post Office branches in the following parliamentary constituencies are included in this Area Plan:

Bolton North East, Bolton South East, Bolton West, Bury North, Bury South,
Oldham East and Saddleworth, Oldham West and Royton, Manchester Blackley, Manchester Central, Manchester Gorton, Manchester Withington, Ashton-under-Lyne, Cheadle, Denton and Reddish, Eccles, Hazel Grove, Heywood and Middleton, High Peak, Macclesfield, Rochdale, Salford, Stalybridge and Hyde, Stretford and Urmston, Stockport, Worsley, Wythenshawe and Sale East.

The Government criteria:

Nationally:
- 99% of the UK population to be within 3 miles and 90% of the population to be within 1 mile of their nearest Post Office branch.

- 99% of the total population in deprived urban (1) areas across the UK to be within 1 mile of their nearest Post Office branch.

- 95% of the total urban (2) population across the UK to be within 1 mile of their nearest Post Office branch.

- 95% of the total rural (3) population across the UK to be within 3 miles of their nearest Post Office branch.

In addition, for each individual postcode district:

- 95% of the population of the postcode district to be within 6 miles of their nearest Post Office branch.

(1) Deprived urban - The most disadvantaged urban parts of the UK based on the Indices of Multiple Deprivation (top 15% Super Output Areas in England, 15% of Data Zones in Scotland and 30% of Super Output Areas in Wales and Northern Ireland).

(2) Urban - A community with 10,000 or more inhabitants in a continuous built-up area.

(3) Rural - A community not covered by the definition of Urban above.

The following 62 post offices will now close as part of this Area Plan:

Market Street, 88 Moorside Street, Droylsden, Manchester, M43 7HL
West End (temporarily closed), 262 Katherine Street, Ashton Under Lyne, OL6 7BA
Astley Bridge, 467 Blackburn Road, Bolton, BL1 8NN
Ainsworth Lane, 1 Entwistle Street, Bolton, BL2 2RH
Morris Green, 187a Morris Green Lane, Bolton, BL3 3LB
Moses Gate, 42-44 Egerton Street, Farnworth, Bolton, BL4 7LE
Daisy Hill, 298 Leigh Road, Westhoughton, Bolton, BL5 2JZ
Hart Common, 488 Wigan Road, Westhoughton, Bolton, BL5 2BX
Higher Chorley Old Road, 359 Chorley Old Road, Bolton, BL1 6AH
Elton, 73 Crostons Road, Bury, BL8 1LB
Greenmount, 337 Holcombe Road, Greenmount, Bury, BL8 4BB
Limefield, 293 Walmersley Road, Bury, BL9 6NX
Rochdale Road, 98 Rochdale Road, Bury, BL9 7AY
Water Lane, 21 Ainsworth Road, Radcliffe, Manchester, M26 4DJ
High Grove, 105 Silverdale Road, Gatley, Cheadle, SK8 4RF
Denton Road, Audenshaw, Manchester, M34 5BL
North Reddish, 446 Gorton Road, Stockport, SK5 6RX
South Reddish, 24 Reddish Road, Stockport, SK5 7PE
Patricroft, 2 Lewis Street, Eccles, Manchester, M30 0QA
Heaviley, 133B Buxton Road, Stockport, SK2 6NZ
Rose Hill, 204 Stockport Road, Rose Hill, Marple, Stockport, SK6 6EY
Strines, 167 Strines Road, Strines, Stockport, SK6 7GD
Osborne Street, 54 Osbourne Street, Bredbury, Stockport, SK6 2DA
Bowness Road, Middleton, Manchester, M24 4WT
Hopwood, 52 Manchester Road, Heywood, OL10 2AH
Oulder Hill, 569 Bury Road, Rochdale, OL11 4DQ
Birch Vale, 7-9 Spinner Bottom, Birch Vale, High Peak, SK22 1AA
Dove Holes, Methodist Church, Buxton Road, Dove Holes, Buxton, SK17 8DW
Peak Forest, Village Store, Church Lane,Peak Forest, Buxton, SK17 8EL
Town End, 107-109 Market Street, Chapel-En-Le-Frith, High Peak, SK23 0JD
Tintwistle, 13 New Road, Tintwistle, Glossop, SK13 1JN
Bollinbrook (temporarily closed), 4-6 Merriden Road, Macclesfield, SK10 3AN
Bollington Cross, 52 Ovenhouse Lane, Bollington, Macclesfield, SK10 5EY
Broken Cross, 1 Chelford Road, Macclesfield, SK10 3LG
Gawsworth, 2-4 Longbutts Lane, Gawsworth, Macclesfield, SK11 9QU
Hockley, 313a Park Lane, Poynton, Stockport, SK12 1RJ
Lower Crumpsall, 80a Waterloo Street, Manchester, M8 5XF
Harpurhey, 500 - 504 Rochdale Road, Harpurhey, Manchester, M9 5RD
Barlow Road, 2 Byrom Parade, 201 Barlow Road, Manchester, M19 3HH
Ladybarn, 106 Mauldeth Road, Manchester, M14 6SQ
Parrswood, 841 Wimslow Road, Manchester, M20 5WD
Egerton Street, 3 Brackley Square, Oldham, OL1 3RS
Greenacres Moor, 52 Huddersfield Road, Oldham, OL4 2AE
Lower Rushcroft, Shaw, Oldham, OL2 7XD
Moorside (temporarily closed), 699 Ripponden Road, Moorside, Oldham, OL1 4JU
Scouthead, 1023 Huddersfield Road, Scouthead, Oldham, OL4 4AS
Buckstones Road, Shaw, Oldham, OL2 8DW
Grasscroft, 77 Oldham Road, Grasscroft, Oldham, OL4 4JF
Buersil, 705-707 Oldham Road, Buersil Head, Rochdale, OL16 4RH
Caldermoor, 2 Shore Road, Littleborough, OL15 9LG
Smithy Bridge, 61 Smithy Bridge Road, Littleborough, OL15 0DY
Adelphi, 15 Oldfield Road, Salford, M5 4NE
Langworthy Road, 215 Langworthy Road, Salford, M6 5PW
Mottram Road, 95 Mottram Road, Stalybridge, SK15 2QS
Cheetham Fold, 107-109 Cheetham Fold Road, Hyde, SK14 5DF
Great Moor, 350 Buxton Road, Stockport, SK2 7BZ
Hall Street, 168 Hall Street, Stockport, SK1 4JG
Lowfield Road, 94 Lowfield Road, Stockport, SK3 8JR
Heaton Road, 89-91 Heaton Road, Stockport, SK4 4JH
Canterbury Road, 173 Canterbury Road, Urmston, Manchester, M41 0SE
Manchester Road, 93 Manchester Road, Leigh, WN7 2LE
Northenden Road, 4 Northenden Road, Sale, M33 3BR

A full list of the 316 branches which will remain in the network in this area is available upon request.

www.postoffice.co.uk

Post by **TrueBlueTerrier** » 31 Aug 2008, 16:13

Decisions announced on the future of Post Offices in West Yorkshire
15/07/2008

Post Office Ltd today (Tuesday) announced decisions on the future of Post Office branches in West Yorkshire, following a six-week public consultation which ended on 23 June 2008.

Post Office services will be provided through a network of 282 branches which supports the national accessibility criteria introduced by the Government and ensures that more than 99.8% of this area’s population will either see no change to their existing branch or will remain within one mile (by road distance) of an alternative branch.

The announcement today means that 61 branches will close in West Yorkshire, with the first closures scheduled to take place in mid-August. These branches were detailed in the Area Plan proposal published on 13 May.

Two branches originally proposed for closure - Hardwick Road Post Office on Maple Drive, Pontefract, and Savile Town Post Office on Warren Street, Dewsbury - will now remain open, following a review of the issues raised during consultation.

With regard to Hardwick Road branch, respondents were concerned about public transport to, and parking at, alternative branches as well as the routes to those branches which were said to be hilly and potentially hazardous for customers on foot.

Respondents about Savile Town branch had concerns relating to the potential impact on the community and the limited parking at alternative branches. In both cases, the needs of more vulnerable customers were also taken into account.

Because these two branches will not now close, Post Office Ltd is proposing the closure of two other branches: Thornhill Edge Post Office, on Edge Lane, Dewsbury, WF12 0HA, and White Cross Post Office on Bradford Road, Guiseley, Leeds, LS20 8NH. A six-week period of local public consultation will commence shortly on the proposed closure of these two branches.

This will ensure that the planned future network can be supported by the available funding from Government and meets the criteria it has set, including the requirement that no part of the UK is advantaged or disadvantaged relative to other areas.

Full details of the decisions and the issues raised during local public consultation are available by visiting www.postoffice.co.uk/networkchange or by writing to Post Office Ltd at Freepost Consultation Team (no stamp needed) or by emailing consultation@postoffice.co.uk.

During the six-week local public consultation, Post Office Ltd received around 4,400 responses and attended 33 meetings with customers and their representatives to understand their concerns and to ensure that all information provided by them formed part of the final decision regarding each affected branch.

Adrian Wales, Post Office Ltd’s Network Development Manager North East, said: "These are difficult decisions which have not been taken lightly. We have considered very carefully all the comments made during the public consultation. We believe that the plan announced today offers our customers in this area the best prospect for a sustainable network in the future, bearing in mind the Government’s minimum access criteria and the other factors the Government has asked us to consider."

Ends

Issued by the Press Office

Note to editors

Post Office branches in the following parliamentary constituencies are included in this Area Plan:

Batley and Spen, Bradford North, Bradford South, Bradford West, Calder Valley, Dewsbury, Elmet, Halifax, Leeds Central, Leeds East, Leeds North East, Leeds North West, Leeds West, Morley and Rothwell, Normanton, Pontefract and Castleford, Pudsey, Shipley, Wakefield.

The Government criteria:

Nationally:
- 99% of the UK population to be within 3 miles and 90% of the population to be within 1 mile of their nearest Post Office branch.

- 99% of the total population in deprived urban (1) areas across the UK to be within 1 mile of their nearest Post Office branch.

- 95% of the total urban (2) population across the UK to be within 1 mile of their nearest Post Office branch.

- 95% of the total rural (3) population across the UK to be within 3 miles of their nearest Post Office branch.

In addition, for each individual postcode district:

- 95% of the population of the postcode district to be within 6 miles of their nearest Post Office branch.

(1) Deprived urban - The most disadvantaged urban parts of the UK based on the Indices of Multiple Deprivation (top 15% Super Output Areas in England, 15% of Data Zones in Scotland and 30% of Super Output Areas in Wales and Northern Ireland).

(2) Urban - A community with 10,000 or more inhabitants in a continuous built-up area.

(3) Rural - A community not covered by the definition of Urban above.

The following 61 post offices will now close as part of this Area Plan:

Bradford Road, 288 Bradford Road, Batley, WF17 5PW
East Bierley, 58-60 Southview Road, Bradford, BD4 6PJ
Fieldhead, 40 Lowood Lane, Birstall, Batley, WF17 9DN
Soothill, 49 Soothill Lane, Batley, WF17 6NJ
Staincliffe, 88 Halifax Road, Staincliffe, Batley, WF17 7RB
Ashbourne Estate, 1041 Bolton Road, Bradford, BD2 4LN
Leeds Road, 812 Leeds Road, Bradford, BD3 9TY
Undercliffe, 10 Harrogate Road, Undercliffe, Bradford, BD2 3DU
Woodhall Avenue, 1 Woodhall Avenue, Bradford, BD3 7BY
Wibsey, 96 High Street, Bradford, BD6 1NB
Chellow Dene, 1-3 Pearson Lane, Bradford, BD9 6BB
City Road, 104 City Road, Bradford, BD8 8JT
Duckworth Lane, 60 Duckworth Lane, Bradford, BD9 5HA
Leaventhorpe (temporarily closed), 1009 Thornton Road, Bradford, BD8 0PA
Manningham, Manningham Post Office, 14-18 Green Lane, Bradford, BD8 7SP
Greetland, 60-62 Saddleworth Road, Greetland, Halifax, HX4 8AG
Hove Edge, 286 Halifax Road, Brighouse, HD6 2PB
Lightcliffe, 101 Wakefield Road, Halifax, HX3 8TH
Midgley, Post Office & Village Stores, Great House Barn, Towngate, Luddendenfoot, Halifax, HX2 6UH
Portsmouth, 922 Burnley Road, Todmorden, OL14 7ET
Shade, 272 Rochdale Road, Todmorden, OL14 7PD
Stainland, 378 Stainland Road, Holywell Green, Halifax, HX4 9HF
Hopton, 8B Jackroyd Lane, Hopton, Mirfield, WF14 8HU
Knowle (temporarily closed), 3 The Knowle, Mirfield, WF14 9RH
Six Lane Ends, 140 Leeds Road, Heckmondwike, WF16 9DQ
Whitley, The Woolpack Country Inn, Whitley Road, Whitley, Dewsbury, WF12 0LZ
East Garforth, 42 Aberford Road, Garforth, Leeds, LS25 2EA
Micklefield (temporarily closed), 22 Church Ville Terrace, Micklefield, Leeds, LS25 4AR
Bell Hall, 194a Saville Park Road, Halifax, HX1 2XP
Holmfield, 267-269 Shay Lane, Halifax, HX2 9BB
Scar Bottom, 2 Calder Avenue, Halifax, HX2 7DL
Shelf, 12 Carr House Road, Shelf, Halifax, HX3 7QY
Beeston, 277 Beeston Road, Leeds, LS11 7HX
Cardinal Estate, 54 Ring Road, Beeston, Leeds, LS11 8HB
Cross Flatts, 3 Cross Flatts Avenue, Leeds, LS11 7BE
Marshall Street (temporarily closed), 37a Marshall Street, Leeds, LS11 9YL
Oatlands, 50 Oatlands Lane, Leeds, LS7 1SP
Foundry Lane, 857 York Road, Leeds, LS14 6AX
Bramhope, 1 The Parade, Breary Lane, Bramhope, Leeds, LS16 9AF
Far Headingley, 86 Otley Road, Leeds, LS6 4BA
Newall, 16 Weston Lane, Otley, LS21 2DD
Miles Hill, 548 Scott Hall Road, Leeds, LS7 3RA
Heights Drive, 38 Heights Drive, Leeds, LS12 3SU
Kirkstall (temporarily closed), 22 Kirkstall Lane, Leeds, LS5 3BH
Oldfield Lane, 1a Amberley Road, Leeds, LS12 4BD
Raynville Road, 14-16 Raynville Road, Leeds, LS12 2TF
Wortley, 266 Tong Road, Leeds, LS12 3BG
Britannia Road, 1 Paulina Terrace, Morley, Leeds, LS27 0JE
Lofthouse, Lofthouse Library, Carlton Lane, Lofthouse, Wakefield, WF3 3LJ
Newlands, 18 Albert Drive, Morley, Leeds, LS27 8SF
Tingley, Bradford Road, Tingley, Wakefield, WF3 1QN
Alverthorpe, 154a Batley Road, Wakefield, WF2 0AE
Bradford Road, 275 Bradford Road, Wakefield, WF1 2BL
Kirkhamgate, 193 Batley Road, Wakefield, WF2 0SH
Outwood, 466 Leeds Road, Wakefield, WF1 2DU
Upper Altofts, 34-36 George Street, Normanton, WF6 2LS
Pontefract Road, 46 Pontefract Road, Castleford, WF10 4AY
Kirk Lane, 32 Kirk Lane, Yeadon, Leeds, LS19 7ET
Littlemoor, 1 Valley Road, Pudsey, LS28 9ER
Station Road, 3 Station Road, Horsforth, Leeds, LS18 5PA
St Paul’s Road, 51 Bradford Road, Shipley, BD18 3DS

A full list of the branches which will remain in the network in this area is available upon request.

Post Office Ltd. Registered in England and Wales no: 2154540. Registered Office: 80-86 Old Street, London, EC1V 9NN.
The Post Office and the Post Office symbol are registered trademarks of Post Office Ltd.

Post Office Ltd is an appointed representative of The Governor and Company of the Bank of Ireland, which is authorised by the Irish Financial Regulator and the Financial Services Authority; regulated by the Financial Services Authority for the conduct of UK business. Bank of Ireland, incorporated in the Republic of Ireland with limited liability. Registered in England and Wales with branch number BR000459.

Card Account offered by J.P. Morgan Europe Ltd through Post Office Ltd. J.P. Morgan Europe Ltd is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority. Registered in England and Wales No. 938937. Registered Office: 125 London Wall, London, EC2Y 5AJ.

Post by **TrueBlueTerrier** » 31 Aug 2008, 16:20

Hampshire and the Isle of Wight Post Office® outreach services confirmed
09/07/2008

Post Office Ltd today confirmed the Outreach services that will replace five branches that are to close under its plan for the Hampshire and Isle of Wight area. In each case, customers will still be able to access Post Office services locally.

During a further period of local public consultation which ended on 17 June, Post Office Ltd sought feedback on the specific Outreach service that would replace each of the branches to ensure that an appropriate service would replace the closing branches.

Post Office Ltd received approximately 40 pieces of correspondence and attended five meetings with customers and their representatives. This enabled Post Office Ltd to improve its understanding of customers’ concerns and to ensure that all information was taken into account before final decisions were reached.

East Meon branch will be replaced by a Partner Service located at the current site. The service will operate Monday to Friday from 8am to 6pm and on Saturday from 8am to 12.30pm and will offer a range of the most commonly used Post Office products and services.

At East Tisted the branch will be replaced by a Hosted Service located at the current site and operating on Monday and Thursday from 9am until 1pm. The same range of Post Office services will continue to be available, with the addition of Vehicle Licensing.

In Froxfield the existing branch will be replaced by a Hosted Service at Feedthyme, on Southdean Farm. It will open on Monday and Wednesday from 9.30am to 12.30pm and on Friday from 1.30pm until 4.30pm. The same range of Post Office services will be available.

In St Mary Bourne a Partner Service located at the current Post Office site in the Village Stores, will replace the existing branch. It will offer a range of the most commonly used Post Office products and services and will operate on Monday to Friday mornings from 8am to 1pm and from 2pm to 6pm in the afternoon. On Saturday the service will be available from 8am to 1pm

At West Meon a Hosted Service will operate from the current Post Office site each Tuesday and Thursday from 9am to 1pm. The same range of services will continue to be available, with the addition of Vehicle Licensing but On Demand currency will no longer be available.

The decision to close these branches and replace them with Outreach Solutions was reached after public consultation and Postwatch, the consumer body representing Post Office® customers, has verified the correct consultation procedures were followed.

Full details of all the decisions and issues raised during local public consultation in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight are available by visiting www.postoffice.co.uk/networkchange or by writing to Post Office Ltd at Freepost Consultation Team (no stamp needed) or by emailing consultation@postoffice.co.uk

Tim Nickolls, Post Office Ltd’s Network Development Manager for Hampshire and The Isle of Wight, said: "The decision to close any Post Office branch is difficult and not one that is taken lightly. In the case of these five branches we are offering a replacement service that ensures that our customers are still able to access Post Office services locally. We believe that the amended plan announced in January and the five replacement services confirmed today will offer our customers across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight the best prospect for a sustainable network in the future, bearing in mind the Government’s minimum access criteria and the other factors it asked us to consider."

Ends

Issued by Post Office Ltd:
Birmingham Mail Centre
St Stephens Street
BIRMINGHAM
B6 4AA
www.postoffice.co.uk

Note to editors

Post Office branches in the following parliamentary constituencies were included in the Hampshire and the Isle of Wight plan:

Basingstoke, East Hampshire, Eastleigh, Fareham, Gosport, Havant, Isle of Wight,
New Forest East, New Forest West, North East Hampshire, North West Hampshire,
Portsmouth North, Portsmouth South, Romsey, Southampton Itchen, Southampton Test, Winchester

The Government criteria:

Nationally:

• 99% of the UK population to be within 3 miles and 90% of the population to be within 1 mile of their nearest Post Office® branch.

• 99% of the total population in deprived urban areas across the UK to be within 1 mile of their nearest Post Office® branch.

• 95% of the total urban population across the UK to be within 1 mile of their nearest Post Office® branch.

• 95% of the total rural population across the UK to be within 3 miles of their nearest Post Office® branch.

In addition, for each individual postcode district:

• 95% of the population of the postcode district to be within 6 miles of their nearest Post Office® branch.

The following five branches will close and be replaced by an Outreach service.

Post Office® East Meon branch, East Meon Stores, High Street, East Meon, Petersfield, GU32 1NW
Post Office® East Tisted branch, East Tisted Village Store, Station Road, East Tisted, Alton, GU34 3QP
Post Office® Froxfield branch, 13 Dellfield, Froxfield, Petersfield, GU32 1EH
Post Office® St Mary Bourne branch, Village Stores, Bourne Meadow, St Mary Bourne, Andover, SP11 6BE
Post Office® West Meon Branch, West Meon Store, High Street, West Meon, Petersfield, GU32 1LJ

A full list of the branches which will remain open in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight area under the area plan is available upon request.

Post by **TrueBlueTerrier** » 01 Sep 2008, 19:19

North East, Tayside and Fife Post Office® branches Network Change decisions announced.
30/07/2008

Post Office Ltd today announced decisions on the future of Post Office® branches across North East, Tayside and Fife following a six- week public consultation which ended on 8 July.

Post Office® services will be provided through a network of branches, which supports the national accessibility criteria introduced by the UK Government and ensures that 99.9% of North East, Tayside and Fife’s population will either see no change to their existing branch or will remain within one mile (by road distance) of an alternative branch.

The plan confirmed today means that 40 branches will close in the North East, Tayside and Fife and a further 35 outreach branches will be introduced with one other continuing to be in further consultation. The first closures are scheduled to take place in September 2008.

The Post Office branch at Cairnie Street, Arbroath, originally proposed for closure will now remain open, following a review of issues raised during consultation and issues surrounding an unplanned closure of a nearby branch by a franchisee.

The branch at Middlefield in Aberdeen has also been withdrawn from the plan and will remain open after consultation feedback relating to deprivation and access for vulnerable customers.

In addition, the proposal to introduce an outreach service at Glamis in Angus has been withdrawn and the branch will remain open after consultation feedback concerning high levels of business transactions for small essential businesses in the area.

The proposed Partner service at Auchenblae in Aberdeenshire has been withdrawn after the partner decided to retire during consultation. Post Office Limited has reviewed all options and proposes the introduction of a new Hosted service in Auchenblae. A six-week consultation into the proposal will begin on 12 August 2008.

The proposed outreach services for Crook of Devon in Perthshire have been changed, following consultation feedback, from a Mobile post office to a Partner service. The partner service will run from the in the existing local shop, following feedback about increased traffic levels caused by the new Forth crossing.

In order to ensure that the planned future network can be supported by the available funding from UK Government and meets the criteria it has set, including the requirement that no part of the UK is advantaged or disadvantaged relative to other areas, Post Office Ltd is proposing the closure of two further branches - Lunanhead in Angus and Bieldside in Aberdeen . A six week public consultation on the new proposals will begin on 12 August 2008.

These decisions have been reached after public consultation and Postwatch, the consumer body representing Post Office® customers, has verified the correct consultation procedures were followed.

Full details of the decisions and the issues raised during local public consultation are available by visiting www.postoffice.co.uk/networkchange or by writing to Post Office Ltd at Freepost Consultation Team (no stamp needed) or by emailing consultation@postoffice.co.uk

During the six week local public consultation, Post Office Ltd received around 4,300 responses and attended 90 meetings with customers and their representatives to understand their concerns. All information provided by customers formed part of the final decision regarding each affected branch.
Sally Buchanan, Post Office Ltd’s Network Development Manager for Scotland, said: "These are difficult decisions which have not been taken lightly. We have considered very carefully all the comments made during the public consultation. We believe that the amended plan announced today offers our customers across North East, Tayside and Fife the best prospect for a sustainable network in the future, bearing in mind the UK Government’s minimum access criteria and the other factors it has asked us to consider."

Ends

Issued by
Post Office Ltd:
Tallents House
21 South Gyle Crescent
Edinburgh
EH12 9PB

Notes to Editors :
Post Offices in the following 15 parliamentary constituencies are included in the North East, Tayside and Fife Area Plan: Aberdeen North; Aberdeen South; Angus; Banff & Buchan; Dundee East; Dundee West; Dunfermline and West Fife; Glenrothes; Gordon; Kirkcaldy and Cowdenbeath; Moray; North East Fife; Ochil and South Perthshire; Perth and North Perthshire and West Aberdeenshire and Kincardine.

The following branches will now remain open:
Cairnie Street, Arbroath
Glamis, Angus
Middlefield, Aberdeen

The following branch is subject to further consultation:

Auchenblae, Aberdeenshire - The proposal for a Partner service has been withdrawn and Post Office Limited will hold a six week consultation into a new proposal for a Hosted service.

The following 40 Post Office® branches will now close as part of the North East, Tayside and Fife Area Plan:

Aberdeen North
Mount Street, Aberdeen

Aberdeen South
Mannofield, 535 Great Western Road, Aberdeen
Nigg, Wellington Road, Aberdeen

Angus
Dundee Road, Forfar
Kilry, Kirriemuir
Southmuir, Kirriemuir

Banff and Buchan
Blacklaw, Aberchirder
Broadsea, High Street, Fraserburgh
Longhaven, Peterhead

Dundee East
Ferry Road, Dundee
Monikie, Broughty Ferry, Dundee

Dundee West
Lochee Road, Dundee
Nethergate, Dundee
Fairmuir, Dundee

Dunfermline and West Fife
Dalbeath Crescent, Cowdenbeath
Halbeath, Main Street, Halbeath,
Torryburn, 64 Main Street, Torrybyrn,
Transy, 103 Appin Crescent, Dunfermline

Glenrothes
Denbeath, 552 Wellesley Road, Leven
Dundonald Park, Cardenden,Lochgelly
Kingdom Centre, 24 North Street, Glenrothes

Gordon
Montgarrie, Alford

Kirkcaldy and Cowdenbeath
Glencraig, Crosshill, Lochgelly,
Hillend, 37 Main Street, Hillend, Dunfermline
Keltyhill, Blackhall Sq, Kelty
Pathhead, Commercial St, Kirkcaldy

Moray
Buckpool, 11 St Andrews Square, Buckpool
Fife Keith, 14 Regent Street, Keith
East End, 20 High Street, Forres
East End, Pansport Road, Elgin

North East Fife
Lower Largo, 1 Main Street, Lower Largo
Newton Of Falkland., Newton Cottage, Cupar
Scoonie Road, 1 Bramble Bank, Leven
Westport,Cupar,

Ochil and South Perthshire
Fairyburn, Alloa

Perth and North Perthshire
Bridgend, 1/3 Main Street, Bridgend, Perth
Cherrybank, 186 Glasgow Road, Perth
Garth Avenue, Perth
Kinrossie, Mercat Green, Kinrossie, Perth

West Aberdeenshire and Kincardine
Glassel, Banchory

The following 36 Post Office Branches will be replaced by an outreach solution, precise details of hours and days will be announced as soon as possible:

Carmyllie Hosted Outreach service, which will be available for two hours per week from Milton Haugh Farm Shop.

Inverkeilor - Hosted Outreach service, which will be available for six hours per week from the Church Hall.

Auchnagatt - a Hosted Outreach service, which will be offered for two hours each week from the Emporium.

Cornhill - Hosted Outreach service, which will be available for two hours per week from the same location as Post Office® Cornhill branch.

Crimond - Partner Outreach service, which will be available for seventy nine and a half hours per week from the same location as Post Office® Crimond branch.

Cuminestown - Partner Outreach service, which will be available for sixty six and a half hours per week from the same location as Post Office Cuminestown branch.

Gardenstown - Hosted Outreach service, which will be available for seven hours per week from Edgehill stores.

Longside - Hosted Outreach service, which will be available for six hours per week from the same location as Post Office® Longside branch.

Methlick - Partner Outreach service, which will be available for seventy hours per week from French and Son.

New Aberdour - Hosted Outreach service, which will offered for three hours each week from the Parish Hall.

New Pitsligo - Partner Outreach service, which will be available for eighty seven hours per week from the same location as Post Office® New Pitsligo branch.

Rothie Norman - Partner Outreach service, which will be available for seventy and a half hours per week from the Costcutters store.

St Fergus - Hosted Outreach service, which will offered for six hours per week from the current location of Post Office® St Fergus branch.

Stuartfield - Hosted Outreach service, which will offered for eight hours per week from the current location of Post Office® Stuartfield branch.

Wellbank - Hosted Outreach service, which will offered for eight hours per week from the current location of Post Office® Wellbank branch.

Collieston - Hosted Outreach service, which will be available for three hours per week from the same location as Post Office® Collieston branch.

Kennethmont - Hosted Outreach service, which will be available for three hours per week from the Hamilton Hall.

Lumsden - Hosted Outreach service, which will be available for six hours per week and will operate from the Lumsden Shop.

Rhynie - Hosted Outreach service, which will be available for eight hours per week and will operate from the same location as Post Office® Rhynie branch.

Rothiemay - Hosted Outreach service, which will be available for five hours per week and will operate from the same location as Post Office® Rothiemay branch.

Guardbridge - Hosted Outreach service, which will be available for four hours per week from the same location as Post Office® Guardbridge branch.

Abernethy - Mobile Outreach service, which will be offered for eight hours each week from the parking area of the War Memorial on Main Street.

Blackford - a Partner Outreach service, which will be available for sixty one hours per week from the same location as Post Office® Blackford branch.

Braco - Partner Outreach service, which will be available for eighty seven and a half hours per week from the Braco Store.

Crook of Devon - The proposal for a Mobile service has been withdrawn and a Partner service will be introduced in the same location as the Crook of Devon PO. Further details will be announced as soon as possible.

Glenfarg - Mobile Outreach service, which will be available for five hours per week. Post Office Ltd will review the parking location with the community to help identify a suitable location.

Kinnesswood - Mobile Outreach service, which will be available for five hours per week. Post Office Limited will review the parking location with the community to help identify a suitable location.

Muckhart - Mobile Outreach service, which will be available for two hours per week from the parking area at Coronation Hall.

Muthill Crieff - Partner Outreach service, which will be available for fifty six hours per week from the same location as Post Office® Muthill Crieff branch.

Balbeggie Hosted Outreach service, which will be available for seven hours per weeks and will operate from the existing premises as the Post Office® Balbeggie branch.

Glencarse - Hosted Outreach service, which will be available for seven hours per week from St Madoes Village store.

Finzean - Hosted Outreach service, which will be available for three hours per weeks and will operate from the same location as the Post Office® Finzean branch.

Johnshaven - Hosted Outreach service, which will offered for nine hours each week from the existing premises of Post Office® Johnshaven branch.

Lumphanan - Hosted Outreach service, which will be available for six hours per week and will operate from the same location as the Post Office® Lumphanan branch.

Strachan - Hosted Outreach service, which will offered for two hours each week from the same location at Post Office® Strachan branch.

The Area plan for the North East, Tayside and Fife also includes three postcode districts where Post Office Ltd does not meet the access criteria set out in the UK Government’s Response document. These postcode districts are namely:
PH6 - where we propose a hosted service in the Lochside Larder at St Fillans for two hours a week
PH17 - where we propose the introduction of a home service operated from Blair Atholl
PH18 - where we propose the introduction of a home service, operated from Blair Atholl

The six-week public consultation period on the proposal to close Lunanhead and Bieldside branches will begin on 12 August 2008. The six-week public consultation on the proposal for a Hosted outreach service at Auchenblae will also begin on 12 August. All submissions should be received by 22 September 2008.

To express your views write to Sally Buchanan, Network Development Manager
C/O National Consultation Team, FREEPOST CONSULTATION TEAM
By email to: consultation@postoffice.co.uk By phone to: Customer Helpline: 08457 22 33 44
or
Visit www.directenquiries.com. Customers with no internet access can call Direct Enquiries on 01344 360 101 or textphone 01344 457 200 to be sent a copy of the questionnaire.

A full list of the branches which will serve North East, Tayside and Fife is available on request

The UK Government criteria:
Nationally:

99% of the UK population to be within 3 miles and 90% of the population to be within 1 mile of their nearest Post Office® branch.

99% of the total population in deprived urban (deprived urban - the most disadvantaged urban parts of the UK based on the Indices of Multiple Deprivation - top 15% Super Output Area in England, 15% of Data Zones in Scotland and 30% of Super Output Areas in Wales and Northern Ireland) areas across the UK to be within 1 mile of their nearest Post Office® branch.

95% of the total urban (urban - a community with 10,000 or more inhabitants in a continuous built up area) population across the UK to be within 1 mile of their nearest Post Office® branch.

95% of the total rural (rural - a community not covered by the definition of urban above) population across the UK to be within 3 miles of their nearest Post Office® branch.

In addition for each individual postcode district 95% of the population of the postcode district to be within 6 miles of their nearest Post Office® branch.

ends

Post by **TrueBlueTerrier** » 01 Sep 2008, 19:22

Oxfordshire and Gloucestershire Post Office® area plan
29/07/2008

Post Office Ltd today confirmed that following a further review Podsmead Post Office, in Gloucester GL2 5BD, would close and be replaced by an Outreach service.

In its announcement in February Post Office Limited proposed to close Podsmead branch without replacement. Under the new proposal the branch would close and be replaced by an Outreach service that would provide the local community with continued access to the majority of everyday Post Office services. A further period of local public consultation on the type of outreach service to be provided will follow.

Post Office Limited considered all responses received during local public consultation and the proposal to close this branch was the subject of further review. As a result of this review, Post Office Limited is to investigate the possibility of closing Post Office Podsmead branch and replacing it with an Outreach service.

Full details of all the decisions and issues raised during local public consultation in the Oxfordshire and Gloucestershire area are available by visiting http://www.postoffice.co.uk/networkchange or by writing to Post Office Ltd at Freepost Consultation Team (no stamp needed) or by emailing consultation@postoffice.co.uk

Mark Partington, Post Office Ltd’s Network Development Manager for Oxfordshire and Gloucestershire, said: "In the case of Podsmead branch we are offering a replacement service that ensures that our customers are still able to access Post Office services locally."

Ends

Issued by Post Office Ltd:
Birmingham Mail Centre
St Stephens Street
BIRMINGHAM
B6 4AA

Note to editors

Post Office branches in the following parliamentary constituencies were included in the Oxfordshire and Gloucestershire plan:

Banbury, Henley, Oxford East, Oxford West and Abingdon, Wantage, Witney, Cheltenham, Gloucester, Stroud, Cotswold, Forest of Dean, Tewkesbury

The Government criteria:

Nationally:

• 99% of the UK population to be within 3 miles and 90% of the population to be within 1 mile of their nearest Post Office® branch.

• 99% of the total population in deprived urban areas across the UK to be within 1 mile of their nearest Post Office® branch.

• 95% of the total urban population across the UK to be within 1 mile of their nearest Post Office® branch.

• 95% of the total rural population across the UK to be within 3 miles of their nearest Post Office® branch.

In addition, for each individual postcode district:

• 95% of the population of the postcode district to be within 6 miles of their nearest Post Office® branch.

The following branch will close and be replaced by an Outreach service.

Podsmead Post Office, 19 Scott Avenue, Podsmead, Gloucester GL2 5BD

A full list of the branches which will remain open in the Oxfordshire and Gloucestershire plan area is available upon request.

http://www.postoffice.co.uk

Post by **TrueBlueTerrier** » 01 Sep 2008, 19:23

Penparc Post Office branch decision
27/08/2008

Post Office Ltd today (27 August 2008) announced its decision on the future of Penparc Post Office, following a six- week public consultation ending on 4 August 2008.

In March 2008 Post Office Ltd developed and published a local area plan proposal for the Central Wales area, setting out the changes it proposed to make as part of the implementation of the Government decision to reduce the UK wide network of Post Office branches by up to 2,500 from its current level of more than 14,000 while continuing to provide funding to support a more sustainable network in the future.

As a result of feedback received during the local six-week public consultation Post Office Ltd amended its proposal by deciding not to proceed with the proposed closures of Pendre, Brecon and Tremont Road, Llandrindod Wells in the original Area Plan and proposed the closure of Penparc branch, Moduron Penparc Motors, Penparc, Cardigan, SA43 1SB

The closure of Penparc Post Office branch has today been confirmed.

During the six week consultation on the proposal to close Penparc branch, Post Office Ltd received eleven pieces of correspondence from customers and their representatives. The main concern expressed by respondents was in relation to the potential effect of the proposed closure on the local community, especially vulnerable customer groups, as respondents said this branch provides a wide range of vital local services to residents of Penparc and neighbouring villages.

Concern was also expressed for customers with disabilities, who respondents said might find it difficult to access the nearest alternative branch, Post Office® Cardigan branch, due to what were said to be limited disabled parking bays at that branch and the distance they would need to walk from the bus stop or car park to that branch.

Post Office Limited has considered all responses received during the local public consultation and a review of this proposal has been undertaken.

The nearest alternative branch is Post Office® Cardigan branch which is less than three miles away from Post Office® Penparc branch. There is a regular, direct bus service to Cardigan with a journey time of approximately five minutes. Concessionary travel is available to those over 60 years of age and to people with qualifying disabilities. Limited street parking is available near Post Office® Cardigan branch with several car parks also available in the town.

Some customers may choose to use Post Office® Tanygroes branch to access Post Office® services. There is regular public transport to this branch as well as parking outside the branch. Both of these alternative branches offer longer opening hours than Post Office® Penparc branch. Post Office® Cardigan branch also offers a wider range of services, including DVLA and Bureau de Change.

Taking these, and all other relevant factors into consideration, including the needs of our more vulnerable customers, Post Office Ltd has decided to proceed with the closure of Post Office® Penparc branch.

Post Office Ltd will not be undertaking any further consultations under the Network Change Programme in the Central Wales area and the area will retain 154 Post Office branches

Steve Geraty, Post Office Ltd’s Network Development Manager for Central Wales said:

"We know that any decision to close a Post Office branch will often be unpopular but we have to put the network on a more stable footing for the future.

"We still have more branches open in the Central Wales area than all the major banks and building societies combined and almost 99 per cent of people will see no change to the branch they currently use or will remain within a mile of an alternative."

Ends

Issued by Post Office Ltd:
Royal Mail Cardiff
220 Penarth Road
CARDIFF
CF11 8TA

Post by **TrueBlueTerrier** » 01 Sep 2008, 19:24

Pentwynmawr Post Office Branch Decision
09/07/2008

Post Office Ltd today (09 July 2008) announced its decision on the future of Pentwynmawr Post Office, following a six-week public consultation ending on 17 June 2008.

In January 2008 Post Office Ltd developed and published a local area plan proposal for the Newport & Gwent Valleys area, setting out the changes it proposed to make as part of the implementation of the Government decision to reduce the UK wide network of Post Office branches by up to 2,500 from its current level of more than 14,000 while continuing to provide funding to support a more sustainable network in the future.

As a result of feedback received during the local six-week public consultation Post Office Ltd amended its proposal by deciding not to proceed with the proposed closures of Christchurch Road, Newport and Pentwyn, Pontypool Post Office branches and proposed the closure of Pentwynmawr branch, 19 High Street, Newbridge, Newport, NP11 4HG.

The closure of Pentwynmawr Post Office branch has today been confirmed.

During the consultation on the proposal to close Pentwynmawr branch, Post Office Ltd received four pieces of correspondence. The main concerns expressed by respondents during local public consultation in relation to our proposal to close this branch related to the journey to the nearest alternative branches which respondents considered may be difficult in winter months due to the distances involved, especially for vulnerable customer groups.

Respondents also felt that Post Office® Pentwynmawr branch lies at the heart of the local community and its proposed closure would be detrimental to the village. A petition was also submitted during the local public consultation, opposing the proposed closure.

Post Office Limited has considered all responses received during the local public consultation and a review of this proposal has been undertaken.

Both of the nearest alternative branches, Post Office® Newbridge and Pontllanfraith branches, are each approximately within one mile of Post Office® Pentwynmawr branch and a regular bus service travels to each. The bus journeys to each of these nearest alternative branches take approximately five minutes and concessionary travel is available to those over the age of 60 and disabled people. There is also parking available at both of the nearest alternative branches.

Taking these and all other relevant factors into consideration, including the needs of more vulnerable customers, Post Office Limited has decided to proceed with the proposed closure of Post Office® Pentwynmawr branch.

Post Office Ltd will not be undertaking any further consultations under the Network Change Programme in the Newport & Gwent Valleys area and the area will retain 127 Post Office branches across this area.

Steve Geraty, Post Office Ltd’s Network Development Manager for Newport & Gwent Valleys said:

"We know that any decision to close a Post Office branch will often be unpopular but we have to put the network on a more stable footing for the future.

"We still have more branches open in the Newport & Gwent Valleys area than all the major banks and building societies combined and 99.6 per cent of people will see no change to the branch they currently use or will remain within a mile of an alternative."

Ends

Post by **TrueBlueTerrier** » 01 Sep 2008, 19:26

Post Office confirms changes to network in South & West Wales
05/08/2008

Post Office Ltd today (August 05, 2008) announced decisions on the future of Post Office® branches across the South and West Wales area, following a six week public consultation ending on 14 July 2008.

During the six-week local public consultation, Post Office Ltd received around 2280 responses and attended 53 meetings with customers and their representatives to understand customers’ concerns. This also helped to ensure that all information provided by customers formed part of the final decision regarding each affected branch in the area plan.

Post Office Limited has decided to retain a total of 291 branches across the South and West Wales area, and to proceed with 38 of the closures and 19 of the replacement Outreach Services in the Area Plan Proposal. The first closures will take place in September 2008.

Following discussions with Postwatch, the independent consumer body, Post Office Limited has decided not to proceed with two proposed closures as a result of feedback received during the local public consultation. These branches - Carnglas Road, Swansea and Leonard Street, Neath -will now remain open.

Post Office Ltd is now proposing that the Lone Road branch, Clydach, Swansea should be closed instead. A six-week period of local public consultation will commence shortly .

Proposals for branches at Brechfa, Bwlchygroes, Dryslwyn, Ewenny, Gorslas, Llanboidy, Llanwrda, Prendergast, Rhydcymerau, Swiss Valley Park, Talog and Trelech are currently in the process of a further review. Post Office Ltd expects this to be concluded in the near future, at which time Post Office Ltd will communicate the final decisions.

Post Office® services will continue to be provided through a network of 291 branches, which supports the national accessibility criteria introduced by the UK Government and ensures that 99.4% of the area’s population will either see no change to their existing branch or will remain within one mile (by road distance) of an alternative branch.

These branches were detailed in the Area Plan proposal published on 03 June 2008.

These decisions have been reached after consultation. Postwatch, the consumer body representing Post Office® customers, has verified the correct consultation procedures were followed.

All affected branches will now display a poster informing their customers about the decision that has been reached. Further information will be provided shortly afterwards in branch to confirm the actual date that the change will take place. This will be not less than four weeks from the date on which the decision is announced and the poster displayed. Where appropriate, information will also be provided in each branch to help customers choose an alternative branch that is suitable for them. We expect to complete all changes in the South and West Wales area by autumn 2008.

Steve Geraty, Post Office Ltd’s Network Development Manager for Wales, said: "These are difficult decisions which have not been taken lightly. We have considered very carefully all the comments made during the public consultation and we believe that the amended plan announced today offers our customers across the South and West Wales area the best prospect for a sustainable network in the future, bearing in mind the UK Government’s minimum access criteria and the other factors the UK Government has asked us to consider."

"We need to look at the future and the long term viability of all the remaining branches in this area, especially those in Carnglas Road in Swansea and Leonard Street in Neath. I would therefore like to appeal to all customers and businesses to support their local branch and make it the first point of call for all business. We have a range of nearly 200 good quality, value for money products and services, representing the full range of financial products and information services - please use them."

END

Issued by Post Office Ltd
220 Penarth Road, CARDIFF CF11 8TA

Note to Editors

1. Post Office Limited has decided not to proceed with the closure of the following branches:
Post Office® Carnglas Road branch
The main concerns expressed by respondents during local public consultation regarding our proposal to close this branch concerned the potential impact on elderly people, whom respondents considered would find difficult to access the proposed nearest alternative branches, and concerns relating to the adequacy of public transport to those alternative branches, including the fact that there is no direct bus service to the second nearest alternative branch. Respondents noted that several major housing developments are planned for the local area in the future. Respondents also highlighted that the branch is used by customers from a variety of nearby schools and residential homes, is easily accessible and provides a good range of products and services and has good access into the branch for customers with mobility difficulties.

Additionally, Postwatch has raised concerns with Post Office Limited in relation to the capacity of the nearest alternative branch, Post Office® Sketty branch, to absorb the expected increase in customer levels arising from the proposed closure, along with concerns relating specifically to the availability of parking close to that branch and traffic congestion in the area close to that branch.

A full review of the proposal has been conducted by Post Office Limited on the basis of all the above information. Post Office Limited accepts the force of a number of the issues raised during the local public consultation, including the information concerning the housing developments in the local area, the potential impact of the proposed closure on the local economy and the accessibility and the capacity issues and the issues regarding transport to the nearest alternative branch

Therefore, taking all the responses received during the local public consultation and all other relevant factors, including the needs of our more vulnerable customers, into consideration, Post Office Limited has decided to retain Post Office® Carnglas Road branch in its network.

Post Office® Leonard Street branch
The main concerns expressed by respondents during local public consultation regarding our proposal to close this branch were in relation to elderly people, many of whom live in sheltered accommodation nearby, rely on the branch and whom respondents considered may find it difficult to access the proposed nearest alternative branches. Respondents also raised concerns relating to the adequacy of public transport to the nearest alternative branches and the availability of parking close to those branches. Respondents praised Post Office® Leonard Street branch for its efficiency, accessibility and friendly staff, and felt that it is a vital part of a deprived community.

Additionally, Postwatch raised significant concerns relating to the ability of the nearest alternative branch, Post Office® Neath branch, to absorb the expected increase in customer levels arising from the proposed closure and the accessibility of parking close to that branch, as well as issues relating to the potential impact on the local economy and the accessibility to cash in the event that the closure went ahead.

A full review of the proposal has been conducted by Post Office Limited on the basis of all the above information. Post Office Limited accepts the force of a number of the issues raised during the local public consultation, including the potential impact of the proposed closure on the local economy, the capacity issues raised and the issues regarding transport to the nearest alternative branch.

Therefore, taking all the responses received during the local public consultation and all other relevant factors, including the needs of our more vulnerable customers, into consideration, Post Office Limited has decided to retain Post Office® Leonard Street branch in its network.

Full details of all other decisions and the issues raised during local public consultation are available by visiting www.postoffice.co.uk/networkchange or by writing to Post Office Ltd at Freepost Consultation Team (no stamp needed) or by emailing consultation@postoffice.co.uk

2. Public consultation on replacement branch

Post Office Limited is now proposing that the following branch should be permanently closed instead:

Post Office® Lone Road branch, 28 Lone Road, Clydach, SWANSEA SA6 5HU

A six-week period of local public consultation will commence shortly in relation to the proposed closure of this branch.

3. BRANCHES TO BE OUTREACHED:

Llanpumsaint CarmarthenSA33 6BU
Nantgaredig (Temp closed)Carmarthen SA32 7LE
Rhandirmwyn Llandovery SA20 0NY
Blaenwaun WhitlandSA34 0JA
Llansteffan Carmarthen SA33 5JR
Milton Tenby SA70 8PN
Tavernspite Whitland SA34 0NL
Clarbeston Road Clarbeston SA63 4UH
Eglwyswrw Crymych SA41 3UJ
Mathry Haverfordwest SA62 5EZ
Spittal Haverfordwest SA62 5QT
St Ishmaels (Temp closed)Haverfordwest SA62 3ST

4.BRANCHES TO CLOSE:

Abergwynfi Port Talbot SA13 3YN
Cymmer Afan Port Talbot SA13 3ED
Jersey Marine Neath SA10 6JJ
Coychurch Bridgend CF35 5ES
Penyfai Bridgend CF31 4ND
Blaenau Ammanford SA18 3BQ
Cwmann Lampeter SA48 8JR
Llansaint Kidwelly SA17 5JF
Saron Ammanford SA18 3LN
Tirydail Ammanford SA18 2DW
Penally Tenby SA70 7PR
Templeton Narberth SA67 8RY
Garnswllt Ammanford SA18 2RG
Parkmill Swansea SA3 2EQ
Achddu Burry Port SA16 0PT
Mynydd-Y-Garreg Kidwelly SA17 4RD
Thomas Street Llanelli SA15 3JA
Upper Tumble Llanelli SA14 6DP
Aberdulais Neath SA10 8HE
Cwmgors Ammanford SA18 1PE Neath
Maesyffynon Neath SA11 5HE
Neath Abbey Neath SA10 7NH
Bryncethin Bridgend CF32 9YR
Commercial Street Bridgend CF32 7RA
Heol-Y-Cyw Bridgend CF35 6HR
Wyndham Bridgend CF32 7ET
Albert Town(Temp closed) Haverfordwest SA61 1DZ
Little Haven Haverfordwest SA62 3UN
Llanychaer Fishguard SA65 9TB
Llwyndrain Llanfyrnach SA35 0AT
Tiers Cross Haverfordwest SA62 3DB
Gors Avenue Swansea SA1 6RT

5. A details of the outcome of public consultation, including a full list of all branches remaining in the network, can be obtained from www.postoffice.co.uk/networkchange

6. The purpose of local consultation:

The purpose of this local public consultation is to obtain the views of the public and stakeholders on Post Office Limited’s proposals to ensure that the branches that are ultimately selected for closure, or closure and replaced with an Outreach Service, are appropriate.

From the outset of the Network Change Programme, Post Office Limited has made it clear in its communications that the Programme is not designed to provide a forum for debate on whether branches should close, but is about ensuring that Post Office Limited has the best available knowledge to allow it to make the most informed decisions about which branches should close.

7. Government criteria

Nationally:

- 99% of the UK population to be within 3 miles and 90% of the population to be within 1 mile of their nearest Post Office® branch.
- 99% of the total population in deprived urban areas across the UK to be within 1 mile of their nearest Post Office® branch.
- 95% of the total urban population across the UK to be within 1 mile of their nearest Post Office® branch.
- 95% of the total rural population across the UK to be within 3 miles of their nearest Post Office® branch.

In addition, for each individual postcode district:

- 95% of the population of the postcode district to be within 6 miles of their nearest Post Office® branch.

Issued by Post Office Ltd
220 Penarth Road, CARDIFF CF11 8TA

Post by **TrueBlueTerrier** » 01 Sep 2008, 19:27

Post Office confirms decisions for branches in Central Wales
19/08/2008

In March 2008 as part of the Programme, Post Office Ltd developed and published a local area plan proposal for the Central Wales area setting out the changes that it proposed to make.

Following the conclusion of the six-week local public consultation, which ended on 19 May 2008, Post Office Limited published an Area plan decision booklet. This booklet provided details of Post Office Limited’s final decisions on the future of Post Office® branches across the Central Wales area.

However, having taken the responses to local public consultation and all relevant factors into account, Post Office Limited decided to carry out a further local public consultation on the type of Outreach Service which would replace the branches at Llanbister, and Berriew below before making a final decision regarding these Outreach Services.

The proposal to close these branches was not being re-consulted upon as that decision had already been made by Post Office Limited. The purpose of the further local public consultation, which ended on 28 July 2008, was to ensure that the appropriate Outreach Service is put in place to replace the branch. The consultation process has been scrutinised by Postwatch, the independent consumer watchdog, who have been closely involved throughout the Programme.

Taking all feedback from customers and stakeholders and all other relevant factors into account, including the needs of our more vulnerable customers Post Office Limited has decided to proceed with the proposed Partner service at Berriew and with the proposed Hosted service at Llanbister.

Ends

Issued by Post Office Ltd:
Royal Mail Cardiff
220 Penarth Road
CARDIFF
CF11 8TA
www.postoffice.co.uk

Notes to Editors

Current branch address
Post Office® Berriew branch, The Post Office, Welshpool SY21 8PL
Outreach service point
Berriew Partner Service, Berriew Stores , Berriew, Welshpool SY21 8PG
Opening times
Monday to Saturday: 07:00 - 20:00 & Sunday: 08:00 - 20:00

Current branch address:
Post Office® Llanbister branch, Llanbister, Llandrindod Wells LD1 6TN
Outreach service point:
Llanbister Hosted Service, Llanbister Community Centre, Llanbister, Llandrindod Wells LD1 6TN
Opening times
Tuesday: 13:00 - 15:00 & Friday: 13:00 - 15:00

Additional Notes:
Post Office Limited’s decisions in relation to the type of Outreach service to be introduced to replace Post Office® Berriew branch and Post Office® Llanbister branch appear below.

Post Office® Berriew branch
A relatively small number of responses were received during the further period of local public consultation in relation to the type of Outreach service to be introduced to replace Post Office® Berriew branch.

Respondents commented that the proposed Partner service would meet the requirements of the village and said they were supportive of the proposal.

Post Office Limited has considered all responses received and a review of this proposal has been undertaken. Post Office Limited notes the view expressed by respondents that the proposal will address their requirements. Taking this and all other relevant factors into account, including the needs of our more vulnerable customers, Post Office Limited has decided to proceed with the proposed Partner service, offering customers access to a wide range of Post Office® products, including everyday banking services.

Post Office® Llanbister branch
A relatively small number of responses were received during the further period of local public consultation in relation to the type of Outreach service to be introduced to replace Post Office® Llanbister branch.

The main concern expressed by respondents related to the times the service would be offered, with some respondents suggesting a later start and finish time.

Post Office Limited has considered all responses received and a review of this proposal has been undertaken. Post Office Limited has reviewed customer usage at the existing branch and remains confident that the proposed opening times will meet the needs of the local community.

Taking this and all other relevant factors into account, including the needs of our more vulnerable customers, Post Office Limited has decided to proceed with the proposed Hosted service which will operate for four hours each week, offering customers access to a wide range of Post Office® products, including everyday banking services.

General
The implementation of an Outreach service depends on a number of matters - not wholly within the control of Post Office Limited - including for example finalising agreements with third parties. For this reason, while Post Office Limited will endeavour to establish the types of Outreach service outlined here for each branch, it may be that in due course Post Office Limited will decide that it should establish a different type of Outreach service for either of these branches than the type listed here. In doing so, Post Office Limited would have regard to all relevant matters raised in the public consultation and all other relevant factors.

If such a change in the type of Outreach service for any branch were to occur, Post Office Limited would include in affected branches posters updating customers of any changes and will announce changes on our website.

www.postoffice.co.uk

Post by **TrueBlueTerrier** » 01 Sep 2008, 19:30

Current news releases
Post Office

Post Office decision following additional consultations in Surrey, Berkshire and West Sussex
30/07/2008

Post Office Ltd today (July 30 2008) announced its decision on the future of two Surrey, Berkshire and West Sussex Post Offices, following a six-week public consultation ending on July 7, 2008.

In January 2008 Post Office Ltd developed and published a local area plan proposal for the Surrey, Berkshire and West Sussex area, setting out the changes it proposed to make as part of the implementation of the Government decision to reduce the UK wide network of Post Office branches by up to 2,500 from its current level of more than 14,000 while continuing to provide funding to support a more sustainable network in the future.

As a result of feedback received during the local six-week public consultation Post Office Ltd amended its proposal by deciding not to proceed with the proposed closures of Bridge Road, Parklands and South Mertsham Post Office branches and proposing the closure of Shelvers Hill Post Office, 7 Shelvers Hill, Tadworth, KT20 5PU and South Ascot Post Office, 20 Brockenhurst Road, Ascot, SL5 9DL.

The closure of these two Post Office branches is confirmed today.

We have taken into consideration responses to the public consultation including those from local residents, Reigate and Banstead Borough Council, Tadworth and Walton Residents Association, Age Concern Banstead and Reigate MP Crispin Blunt.

The main concerns raised in relation to the proposed closure of Shelvers Hill Post Office® were the impact on the community and the difficulty residents may face in accessing the alternative branches.

The alternative branches - Tadworth and Tattenham Corner - are both within one and a quarter miles of Shelvers Hill. Tadworth Hill in particular offers additional services including Motor Vehicle Licensing and non-charging ATM facilities. Both branches are served by regular buses with free off-peak travel for those over 60 and convenient parking.

Taking these and all other relevant factors into account Post Office Ltd has decided to confirm the closure of Shelvers Hill Post Office® branch.

During consultation submission about the proposed closure of South Ascot Post Office® were received from local businesses, Adam Afriyie MP, Sunninghill and Ascot Parish Council and Windsor and Maidenhead Borough Council. The main concerns raised were the impact on the community and the difficulty residents may face in accessing the alternative branches, particularly the elderly and vulnerable.

Both alternative branches - High Street and Sunninghill - are just over a mile away, offer a wider range of products and services and have good access for disabled people. There is a bus service to both branches with concessionary fares available. There is a high level of car ownership in the area and both alternative branches have parking.

Taking these and all other relevant factors into account Post Office Ltd has decided to confirm the closure of South Ascot Post Office® branch. Both closures are expected to have taken place by the autumn of this year.

Gary Herbert, Post Office Ltd’s Network Development Manager for Surrey, Berkshire and West Sussex said:

"We know that any decision to close a Post Office branch will often be unpopular but we have to put the network on a more stable footing for the future.

"We still have more branches open in the area than all the major banks and building societies combined and 99.5 per cent of people will see no change to the branch they currently use or will remain within a mile of an alternative."

Ends

Post by **TrueBlueTerrier** » 01 Sep 2008, 19:34

Post Office network change area plan 4 - branch decisions announced
27/08/2008

Post Office Ltd today (27 August 2008) announced its decision on the future of a further eleven Post Office branches in the South & West Wales area.

Following the conclusion of the six-week local public consultation for the South & West Wales Area Plan which ended on 14 July 2008, Post Office Ltd published the Area plan decision booklet for South & West Wales which provided details of Post Office Ltd’s final decisions on the future of Post Office® branches across this area.

Post Office Ltd decided to retain a total of 291 branches, to proceed with 38 of the closures and 19 of the replacement Outreach Services. The branches at Carnglas Road, Swansea and Leonard Street, Neath would however remain open. Twelve branches would however be subject to the process of a further review by Postwatch

Postwatch has worked with Post Office Ltd and local communities throughout the programme to help secure the best possible outcome for customers. This review has now concluded and we are in a position to communicate our final decisions in respect of each individual proposal listed below.

Following the conclusion of this further review Post Office Ltd’s decision is final and there is no appeal procedure to Post Office Ltd.

Post Office Ltd has decided to proceed with the closure of the following offices:

Brechfa branch, Brynstores, Brechfa, Carmarthen, SA32 7QX
Bwlchygroes branch, Bwlchygroes, Llanfyrnach, SA35 0DP
Ewenny branch, Wick Road, Ewenny, Bridgend, CF35 5BL
Gorslas branch, London House, Gorslas, Llanelli, SA14 7HP
Llanboidy branch, Cloth Hall, Llanboidy, Whitland, SA34 0EJ
Llanwrda branch, The Post Office, Llanwrda, SA19 8HD
Prendergast branch, 1 Mayoral Terrace, Haverfordwest, SA61 2PH
Rhydcymerau branch, Rhydcymerau, Llandeilo, SA19 7PS
Swiss Valley Park branch, 14-14b Heol Beili Glas, Llanelli, SA14 8DT
Talog branch, Talog, Carmathen, SA33 6NY
Trelech branch, Trelech, Carmarthen, SA33 6RT

The proposal for Dryslwyn branch is still in the process of a further review with Postwatch, however we expect this to be concluded in the near future at which time Post Office Ltd will communicate their final decision.

Post Office Limited has decided to proceed with the closure of all 11 of the above branches and to retain a total of 292 branches across the South and West Wales area. The remaining network of 292 branches supports the minimum access criteria prescribed by the Government and ensures that 99.4% of the South and West Wales area will either see no change or will remain within one mile (by road distance) of an alternative branch.

Steve Geraty, Post Office Ltd’s Network Development Manager said:

"We appreciate that any decision to close a Post Office® branch will often be unpopular. Nevertheless, we have to make decisions to close branches in order to put the Network on a more stable footing for the future and achieve this in a way which best meets the demands and concerns of its customers."

After the changes have been implemented, Post Office Ltd will remain the largest retailer by network size in the area, and will still have more branches open than all of the major banks and building societies combined. More than 99% of the population will see no change to the branch that they currently use or would remain within one mile of an alternative outlet. It is very important to us that our customers are kept informed of any changes to the Network and that we provide them with full details of alternative options to enable them to continue to access Post Office services.

Ends

Issued by Post Office Ltd:
Royal Mail Cardiff
220 Penarth Road
CARDIFF
CF11 8TA

Notes to Editors

Post Office Limited has decided to proceed with the closure of the following branches:

1. Post Office® Bwlchygroes branch
2. Post Office® Ewenny branch
3. Post Office® Gorslas branch
4. Post Office® Prendergast branch
5. Post Office® Swiss Valley Park branch

Post Office Limited has decided to proceed with the replacement of the following branches with an Outreach service:

1. To close: Post Office® Brechfa branch, Brynstores, Brechfa, Carmarthen SA32 7QX
New Brechfa Mobile Service: Between Victoria Park & Village Hall, Brechfa SA32 7QX
Opening hours: Mon 12:15 - 13:30, Tue 12:15 - 13:30, Thur 12:15 - 13:30, Fri 12:15 - 13:30

2. To close: Post Office® Llanboidy branch, Cloth Hall, Llanboidy, Whitland, SA34 0EJ
New Llanboidy Mobile Service: In the pull-in by the recycling centre at the side of Rhydyfelin, Llanboidy SA34 0EJ
Opening hours: Mon 09:00 - 11:00, Tue 09:00 - 11:00, Wed 09:00 - 11:00, Thur 09:00 - 11:00, Fri 09:00 - 11:00

3. To close: Post Office® Llanwrda branch, The Post Office, Llanwrda, SA19 8HD
New Llanwrda Mobile Service: On the slip road close to Croes Y Ceiliog Inn, Llanwrda, SA19 8HD
Opening hours: Mon 15:30 - 17:00, Tue 15:30 - 17:00, Wed 08:45 - 10:45, Thur 15:30 - 17:00, Fri 15:30 - 17:00

4. To close: Post Office® Rhydcymerau branch, Rhydcymerau, Llandeilo, SA19 7PS
New Rhydcymerau Mobile Service: By bus stop at Bromerau, Rhydcymerau, Llandeilo SA19 7SP
Opening hours: Mon 13:45 - 15:00, Tue 13:45 - 15:00, Thur 13:45 - 15:00, Fri 13:45 - 15:00

5. To close: Post Office® Talog branch, Talog, Carmarthen SA33 6NY
New Talog Mobile Service: The Mobile unit will be located near the current branch location SA33 6NY
Opening hours: Mon 15:30 - 17:00, Tue 14:00 - 15:30, Wed 11:30 - 13:00, Thur 15:30 - 17:00

6. To close: Post Office® Trelech branch, Trelech, Carmarthen SA33 6RT
New Trelech Mobile Service: The Mobile Van will be sited next to Rock House and near the bus stop and shelter Trelech SA33 6AR
Opening hours: Mon 13:45 - 15:15, Tue 12:00 - 13:30, Thur 13:45 - 15:15, Fri 11:30 - 13:00

Location and timetable details of the previously announced mobile services:

1. To close: Post Office® Blaenwaun branch, Blaenwaun, Whitland SA34 0JA
New Blaenwaun Mobile Service: In the lay-by opposite the Lamb Inn, Blaenwaun SA34 0JD
Opening hours: Mon 11:15 - 13:15, Thur 11:15 - 13:15

2. To close: Post Office® Clarbeston Road branch, Clarbeston Road, Clarbeston SA63 4UH
New Clarbeston Road Mobile Service: In the parking space in the layby near the Bethany Free Church, Clarbeston Road, Clarbeston SA63 4UU
Opening hours: Mon 13:45 - 15:45, Tue 09:00 - 13:30, Wed 14:15 - 17:15, Thur 10:45 - 12:45, Fri 15:00 - 17:30

3. To close: Post Office® Eglwyswrw branch, Eglwyswrw, Crymych SA41 3UJ
New Eglwyswrw Mobile Service: In the car park next to the current branch Eglwyswrw, Crymych SA41 3UJ
Opening hours: Mon 09:00 - 11:00, Tue 14:45 - 17:15, Wed 09:00 - 11:30, Thur 16:15 - 17:45, Fri 09:00 - 11:30

4. To close: Post Office® Llanpumsaint branch, Llanpumsaint, Carmarthen SA33 6BU
New Llanpumsaint Mobile Service: In the pull-in, in front of Bryn Y Wawr, Llanpumsaint, Carmarthen SA33 6BQ
Opening hours: Wed 14:00 - 16:00, Fri 14:00 - 16:00

5. To close: Post Office® Llansteffan branch, The Square, Llansteffan, SA33 5JR
New Llansteffan Partner Service: The Village Stores, High Street, Llansteffan, SA33 5JY
Opening hours: Mon 08:00 - 18:30, Tue 08:00 - 18:30, Wed 08:00 - 18:30, Thur 08:00 - 18:30, Fri 08:00 - 18:30, Sat 08:30 - 14:00, Sun 08:30 - 14:00

6. To close: Post Office® Mathry branch, Mathry, Haverfordwest SA62 5EZ
New Mathry Mobile Service:
Parking space on Village Green, Mathry Church, Mathry, Haverfordwest, SA62 5EZ
Mon 16:30 - 17:30, Thur 14:00 - 15:30, Fri 12:15 - 13:45

7. To close: Post Office® Milton branch: Riverlea Paskeston Lane, Milton, Tenby SA70 8PN
New Milton Mobile Service: Paskeston Lane in the pull in at the side of Summers Villas, Milton, Tenby SA70 8PN
Opening hours: Mon 10:45 - 12:45, Tue 13:45 - 15:15, Wed 09:00 - 10:30, Thur 13:15 - 14:45, Fri 10:15 - 11:45

8. To close: Post Office® Nantgaredig branch, Station Road, Carmarthen SA32 7LE
Nantgaredig Mobile Service: Railway Hotel, Station Road, Nangaradig, SA32 7LQ
Opening hours: Tue 10:15 - 11:15

9. To close: Post Office® Rhandirmwyn branch: Rhandirmwyn, Llandovery SA20 0NY
New Rhandirmwyn Partner Service: Rhandirmwyn, Llandovery, SA20 0NY
Opening hours: Mon 09:00 - 17:30, Tue 09:00 - 17:30, Wed 09:00 - 17:30, Thur 09:00 - 17:30, Fri 09:00 - 17:30, Sat 09:00 - 17:30, Sun 10:00 - 16:00

10. To close: Post Office® Spittal branch, Spittal, Haverfordwest SA62 5QT
New Spittal Mobile Service: Parking space in the lay-by opposite the bus stop on Wesley Way, Spittal, Haverfordwest SA62 5QS
Opening hours: Mon 11:30 - 13:00, Wed 12:00 - 13:30

11. To close: Post Office® St Ishmaels branch, Burgage Green Road, St Ishmaels, Haverfordwest SA62 3ST
New St Ishmaels Mobile Service: Lay-by on Burgage Green Road St Ishmaels, Haverfordwest, SA62 3ST
Opening hours: Tue 12:45 - 13:45, Thur 09:00 - 10:00

12. To close: Post Office® Tavernspite branch, Tormina, Tavernspite, Whitland SA34 0NL
New Tavernspite Mobile Service: The Mobile Service will be located outside the current branch.
Opening hours: Tue 09:00 - 10:30, Thur 10:45 - 12:15

The Area Plan Proposal for the South and West Wales area

An Area Plan Proposal for the South and West Wales area was developed in accordance with the above process.

At present the area’s 790,000 residents are served by a total of 331 branches. Usage of Post Office® branches is falling, in line with national trends, as more customers access services at other places, make more use of the internet and have their Government benefits paid directly into bank accounts.

South and West Wales is diverse in nature from the urban, predominantly industrial areas of Bridgend, Port Talbot, Swansea and Neath to the rural, agricultural heartlands of Carmarthenshire and Pembrokeshire. 53% of the population live in rural communities and 47% in urban areas.

The needs of those living in communities defined as "deprived" were considered in the Area Plan Proposal, reflecting the specific national criteria set by the Government to give greater safeguards on the accessibility of branches in these communities. Some 31.4% of the area’s total population live in deprived communities, 18.8% of them in urban areas and 12.6% in rural areas. The Area Plan proposal for South and West Wales identified 42 branches as being located in urban deprived communities.

When preparing the Area Plan Proposal for South and West Wales, Post Office Limited considered factors relating to geography, the availability of local transport and alternative access to key Post Office® services, local demographics and the impact on local economies. All branches where changes were proposed were visited by members of Post Office Limited’s dedicated regional field teams to make sure that local factors that needed to be considered were assessed first hand.

In our conversations and correspondence from stakeholders we have been made aware of regeneration plans affecting areas within the overall proposal and have taken these into consideration when constructing the Area Plan Proposal. These include regeneration and development plans, planned urban developments, transport and housing strategies from Bridgend County Borough Council while Pembrokeshire County Council and Carmarthenshire County Council have made their strategic development plans available.

The Area Plan Proposal for South and West Wales took into account the locations affected by these and other schemes, their likely implementation timescales, and had regard to the needs of the communities affected by these changes.

Stakeholders have not advised Post Office Limited of any major road schemes that would materially change the accessibility to branches for particular communities. Similarly, the input that we have received regarding public transport provision does not suggest any proposed reduction in current provision which could leave branches significantly less accessible for particular communities or make it more difficult for customers to access alternative branches than at present.

The Area Plan Proposal for South and West Wales proposed to retain a total of 291 Post Office® branches across the region, but to close 40 existing branches, and replace 19 with Outreach service points. In accordance with the Government’s minimum access and other criteria, the Area Plan Proposal for South and West Wales comprised 87 branches in urban towns and cities and 204 branches in rural areas.

Local public consultation process

The Area Plan Proposal for South and West Wales was published on 3 June 2008. This was followed by a six-week period of local public consultation to allow customers, representative bodies and other interested parties to express their views on the Area Plan Proposal.

We communicated our proposals in a variety of ways to ensure that local people and their representatives were able to participate in the local public consultation process. In branches that were proposed for closure we displayed posters and provided letters and leaflets for customers to take away. In all branches that we proposed to keep in the Network, posters were displayed explaining the Programme and that, subject to the results of the local public consultation, these branches would remain in the Network.

To supplement the communications within each branch, we sent a copy of the Area Plan Proposal and other information to more than 100 stakeholders, which included the relevant MPs, local authorities, and other organisations and representative bodies. This information was also made available via our website at www.postoffice.co.uk/networkchange.
We issued a press release on the first day of the local public consultation.

During the local public consultation we attended 53 meetings with customers and their representatives to generate feedback on a face to face basis and to help us to understand any local issues causing particular concern. We received in excess of 2280 pieces of correspondence, including emails and letters, in relation to our proposals. This correspondence was recorded, acknowledged and considered alongside all other information and feedback.

A summary of the information and feedback received during the consultation process was shared with Postwatch. In turn, Postwatch has shared with Post Office Limited relevant issues that consumers had raised with them directly.

The local public consultation for South and West Wales closed on 14 July 2008.

Response to Local Public consultation

Post Office Limited has received a substantial response to the local public consultation in respect of its proposals for South and West Wales. It is not possible to set out in full all of the responses to local public consultation in South and West Wales in this document.

This section therefore contains a summary of the key aspects of the responses to local public consultation received by Post Office Limited in relation to each of the branches which had been subject to a further review with Postwatch in the South and West Wales Area Plan Proposal.

However, all such responses have been reviewed, considered and taken into account by Post Office Limited when making the decisions set out below.

This section also contains the decision made by Post Office Limited, following local public consultation, in respect of each of those branches, taking into account the responses and having regard (amongst other things) to the minimum access criteria, other criteria and factors prescribed by the Government.

The decisions to be made by Post Office Limited during the Programme are complex and difficult. These involve balancing a wide range of factors, as prescribed by the Government in the Response Document (see section 2.1) above. They include the commercial viability of branches and other operational issues, as well as factors such as the local demographics and the effect of closures on the local economy. At the same time Post Office Limited must ensure compliance with the detailed minimum access criteria and other criteria set out in the Response Document.

We appreciate that any decision to close a Post Office® branch is likely to be unpopular. Nevertheless, Post Office Limited has to make decisions to close branches in order to put the Network on a more stable footing for the future and achieve this in a way which best meets the demands and concerns of the public, its customers.

Many responses received during consultation, addressing either individual closure proposals or the wider plan for the area, raised general objections to the loss of branches. The Government’s own 12 week national public consultation from December 2006 to March 2007 allowed organisations and individuals to raise concerns regarding the overall policy towards the network, including a reduction in the number of branches. Therefore while having due regard to all consultation responses, in reviewing the Area Plan Proposal, Post Office Limited has focused on new information relating to the criteria and factors prescribed by Government and set out in this document.

Conclusion

We appreciate that any decision to close a Post Office® branch will often be unpopular. Nevertheless, Post Office Limited has to make decisions to close branches in order to put the Network on a more stable footing for the future and achieve this in a way which best meets the demands and concerns of its customers.

As has been indicated previously, there is a process by which Postwatch can request a further review of changes that Post Office Limited proposes to make to the Network. Following the conclusion of any such further review Post Office Limited’s decision is final and there is no appeal procedure to Post Office Limited.

Post Office Limited understands the importance of its role in both urban and rural communities and is keen to continue to provide access to services for as many customers in as many of these communities as possible. In implementing the Programme in the South and West Wales area, we have considered the relative convenience of alternative branches for those customers whose closest branch will close. Of the 6.1% of customers who use a branch that will close, 5.5% would have access to Post Office® services within one mile as measured by road distance (2.4% being within half a mile of their nearest alternative). In total 99.4% of the population will either see no change, or will be within one mile of an alternative branch.

We were pleased to be able to retain 59 branches in the South and West Wales area that support the only essential retailer and 108 branches that provide the only access to cash in the respective rural communities that they serve.

After the changes have been implemented, Post Office Limited will remain the largest retailer by network size in the area, and will still have more branches open than all of the major banks and building societies combined. More than 99% of the population will see no change to the branch that they currently use or would remain within one mile of an alternative outlet.

It is proposed that 18 branches within the South and West Wales area will have improvement works in order to provide better disabled access or increase the number of counter positions to ensure that they have sufficient capacity for customers migrating from other branches.

It is very important to us that our customers are kept informed of any changes to the Network and that we provide them with full details of alternative options to enable them to continue to access Post Office® services.

In each of the branches that will be closed posters will be displayed to inform our customers. Further information will be provided to confirm the actual dates the closures will take place. Press releases will also be issued.

In line with the Code of Practice agreed between Post Office Limited and Postwatch, any closures or other changes will take effect not less than four weeks after the decision is announced.

A copy of this decision booklet is available on our website at: www.postoffice.co.uk/networkchange

Post by **TrueBlueTerrier** » 01 Sep 2008, 19:35

Post Office® Bristol and Somerset area plan - decisions annnounced
12/08/2008

Post Office Ltd today announced decisions on the future of Post Office® branches at Hinton St George and Southgate proposed for closure under its Bristol and Somerset area plan following a six week public consultation that ended on 28 July.

The proposals were made following Post Office Ltd’s decision not to proceed with the closure of branches at Bear Flat, Lower Weston, and West End.

After reviewing feedback received on the two new proposals Post Office Ltd has decided that Hinton St George Post Office branch will remain in the network and Southgate branch will close.

Post Office® services in the area will be provided through a network of branches, which supports the national accessibility criteria introduced by the Government and ensures that 99% of the area’s population will either see no change to their existing branch or will remain within one mile (by road distance) of an alternative branch.

Tony Jones, Post Office Ltd’s Regional Development Manager for Bristol and Somerset, said: "We appreciate that any decision to close a Post Office® branch will be unpopular. Nevertheless, Post Office Ltd has to make decisions to close branches in order to put the Network on a more stable footing for the future and achieve this in a way which best meets the demands and concerns of its customers."

These decisions have been reached after consultation and Postwatch, the consumer body representing Post Office® customers, has verified the correct consultation procedures were followed.

Full details of the decisions and the issues raised during local public consultation are available by visiting www.postoffice.co.uk/networkchange or by writing to Post Office Ltd at Freepost Consultation Team (no stamp needed) or by emailing consultation@postoffice.co.uk.

Issued by Post Office Ltd:
Birmingham Mail Centre
St Stephens Street
BIRMINGHAM
B6 4AA

Note to editors

Post Office® branches in the following parliamentary constituencies were included in the Bristol and Somerset plan:

Weston-Super-Mare, Woodspring, Bridgwater, Somerton and Frome, Taunton, Wells,
Yeovil, Bath, Wansdyke, Bristol East, Bristol North West, Bristol South, Bristol West,
Kingswood, Northavon

The Government criteria:

Nationally:

• 99% of the UK population to be within 3 miles and 90% of the population to be within 1 mile of their nearest Post Office® branch.

• 99% of the total population in deprived urban areas across the UK to be within 1 mile of their nearest Post Office® branch.

• 95% of the total urban population across the UK to be within 1 mile of their nearest Post Office® branch.

• 95% of the total rural population across the UK to be within 3 miles of their nearest Post Office® branch.

In addition, for each individual postcode district:

• 95% of the population of the postcode district to be within 6 miles of their nearest Post Office® branch.

Post Office ® Hinton St George branch, 47 High Street, Hinton St George TA17 8SE will remain in the network.

Post Office® Southgate branch, 32 Southgate, Bath BA1 1TP will close on a date to be confirmed.

Post by **TrueBlueTerrier** » 01 Sep 2008, 19:36

Shropshire and Staffordshire Post Office® branches decisions announced
03/07/2008

Post Office Ltd today announced decisions on the future of Post Office® branches across Shropshire and Staffordshire following a six week public consultation which ended on 9 June. Post Office® services will be provided through a network of branches, which supports the national accessibility criteria introduced by the Government and ensures that 98% of Shropshire and Staffordshire’s population will either see no change to their existing branch or will remain within one mile (by road distance) of an alternative branch.

The plan confirmed today means that 48 branches will close in Shropshire and Staffordshire with the first closures scheduled to take place in August 2008. The proposal to close Mow Cop and Randlay Post Office branches is currently under further review. The review is expected to conclude in the near future and a final decision will then be announced. These branches were detailed in the Area Plan proposal published on 1st April 2008.

Following a review of the issues raised during consultation, the Post Office branches at Greenfields and Stapenhill originally proposed for closure will now remain open. Lydbury North branch will close but will be replaced by a Hosted Outreach service which will continue to provide Post Office services in the community.

In order to ensure that the planned future network can be supported by the available funding from Government and meets the criteria it has set, including the requirement that no part of the UK is advantaged or disadvantaged relative to other areas, Post Office Ltd is proposing the closure of one further branch - Pear Tree in Rugeley. A six week public consultation on this new proposal will begin on 15 July 2008.

The replacement of 12 branches by outreach solutions was also confirmed today.

These decisions have been reached after public consultation and Postwatch, the consumer body representing Post Office® customers, has verified the correct consultation procedures were followed.

Full details of the decisions and the issues raised during local public consultation are available by visiting www.postoffice.co.uk/networkchange or by writing to Post Office Ltd at Freepost Consultation Team (no stamp needed) or by emailing consultation@postoffice.co.uk

During the six week local public consultation, Post Office Ltd received around 2900 responses and attended 60 meetings with customers and their representatives to understand their concerns. All information provided by customers formed part of the final decision regarding each affected branch.

Mark Partington, Post Office Ltd’s Network Development Manager for Shropshire and Staffordshire, said: "These are difficult decisions which have not been taken lightly. We have considered very carefully all the comments made during the public consultation. We believe that the amended plan announced today offers our customers across Shropshire and Staffordshire the best prospect for a sustainable network in the future, bearing in mind the Government’s minimum access criteria and the other factors it has asked us to consider."

Ends

Issued by Post Office Ltd:
Birmingham Mail Centre
St Stephens Street
BIRMINGHAM
B6 4AA

Note to editors

Post Office branches in the following parliamentary constituencies are included in the Shropshire and Staffordshire area plan:

Newcastle-under-Lyme, Staffordshire Moorlands, Stone, Tamworth, Burton, Stafford,
Stoke-on-Trent Central, Stoke-on-Trent North, Stoke-on-Trent South, Cannock Chase, Lichfield, South Staffordshire, Ludlow, North Shropshire, Shrewsbury and, Atcham, Telford, The Wrekin

The Government criteria:

Nationally:

• 99% of the UK population to be within 3 miles and 90% of the population to be within 1 mile of their nearest Post Office® branch.

• 99% of the total population in deprived urban areas across the UK to be within 1 mile of their nearest Post Office® branch.

• 95% of the total urban population across the UK to be within 1 mile of their nearest Post Office® branch.

• 95% of the total rural population across the UK to be within 3 miles of their nearest Post Office® branch.

In addition, for each individual postcode district:

• 95% of the population of the postcode district to be within 6 miles of their nearest Post Office® branch.

The following two branches will now remain open:

Greenfields, 41 Wood Street, Shrewsbury SY1 2PN
Stapenhill, 18 St Peters Street, Stapenhill Burton-On-Trent DE15 9AW

The following two branches are subject to further review

Mow Cop, 19 High Street, Mow Cop Staffs ST7 3NZ
Randlay, Unit 1 Local Centre, Randlay Telford TF3 2LH

The following branch will close and be replaced by a Hosted Outreach service

Lydbury North, 61 Lydbury North, SY7 8AR
Details of Lydbury North Outreach Service are currently being finalised and a period of local public consultation will commence shortly on the proposal.

The following 48 Post Office® branches will now close as part of the Shropshire and Staffordshire plan:

Abbots Way Corner, 85 Clayton Road Newcastle ST5 3N
All Stretton, Church Stretton SY6 6HG
Alsager Bank, 163 High Street, Alsager Bank Stoke on Trent ST7 8BA
Aston On Clun, Clun Road, Aston On Clun Craven Arms SY7 8EW
Ball Haye Green, Abbotts Road Leek ST13 6PD
Borough Park, 1 Willington Road, Borough Park Tamworth B79 8AS
Brindley Ford, Bridge Street, Brindley Ford Stoke-On-Trent ST8 7QB
Church Aston, Sunner Stores, Church Aston, Popchurch Newport TF10 9JN
Codsall Wood, The Old Post Office, Codsall Wood Wolverhampton WV8 1QR
Coton, Coton Service Station, Coton, Whitchurch Shrewsbury SY13 3LQ
Dale Hall, 185 Newcastle Street, Stoke-On-Trent ST6 3QJ
Ditherington, Shrewsbury SY1 3BQ
Draycott, Uttoxeter Road, Draycott Stoke On Trent ST11 9AQ
Dresden, 14 Carlisle Street, Stoke-On-Trent ST3 4HN
East Fenton, 323 King Street, Stoke-On-Trent ST4 3EJ
East Hamlet, 6 New Road, East Hamlet Ludlow SY8 2NX
Fegg Hayes, 182 Biddulph Road, Stoke-On-Trent ST6 6TB
Foxt, Froghall, Stoke-On-Trent ST10 2HJ
Great Bridgeford, Whitgreave Lane, Great Bridgeford Stafford ST18 9SJ
Harmer Hill, Wem Road, Harmer Hill Shrewsbury SY4 3EA
High Street, 39-40 High Street Burton-On-Trent DE14 1JW
Higherland, 20-22 Drayton Street, Newcastle Under Lyme ST5 2TW
Hilton, 6 Stratford Lane, Hilton Bridgnorth WV15 5PQ
Hopwas, 17 Nursery Lane, Hopwas Tamworth B78 3AS
Howard Place, 13 Howard Place, Shelton Stoke-On-Trent ST1 4NN
Kingsley Holt, 32 Churnet Valley Road, Kingsley Holt Stoke-On-Trent ST10 2BQ
Knowbury, New Pitts Cottage, Knowbury Ludlow SY8 3JJ
Knypersley, 141 Tunstall Road, Knypersley Stoke-On-Trent ST8 7AE
Marchington, Burnside, Church Lane, Marchington Uttoxeter ST14 8LJ
Marston Road, 19 Marston Road, Stafford ST16 3BS
May Bank, 64-66 High Street, May Bank, Newcastle Under Lyme ST5 0JB
Mayfield Main Road, Mayfield Ashbourne DE6 2LE
Milford, Home Farm, Milford Stafford Stafford ST17 0UW
Mill Street, 162 Mill Street Leek ST13 8ET
Morda, The Post Office Oswestry SY10 9NW
Park Corner, 1-3 King Street, Wellington Telford TF1 3AJ
Seisdon Post Office & Stores, Crockington Lane, Seisdon Wolverhampton WV5 7EJ
St Aidans, 207 Pye Green Road, Cannock WS11 5RJ
St John Street, 28-30 Chapel Lane, Lichfield WS14 9BA
Standford Service Station, Sambrook Newport TF10 8BA
Stonnall, 178 Main Street Stonnall, WS9 9DY
Stowe-By-Chartley, Station Road, Stowe-By-Chartley Stafford ST18 0LG
The Hobbins, The Hobbins, Bridgnorth WV15 5HJ
Trentham, 19 Werburgh Drive, Trentham Stoke-On-Trent ST4 8JT
Uttoxeter Heath, 97 High Street Uttoxeter ST14 7JJ
Walton, 1 Filleybrooks, Stone ST15 0DH
Whittington Barracks, Lichfield WS14 9TJ
Wolverhampton Road, 25 Wolverhampton Road Stafford ST17 4BP

The following 12 Post Office Branches will be replaced by an outreach solution:

Acton Burnell, Shrewsbury SY5 7PA
The Acton Burnell Partner Service, Acton Burnell, Shrewsbury SY5 7PA will be provided from the existing site on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 9am to 1pm and 2pm to 5pm and on Wednesday and Saturday from 9am to 12pm

Cressage, Shrewsbury SY5 6AA
The Cressage Hosted Service will be at The Village Hall, Sheinton Road, Cressage, Shrewsbury, SY5 6BY on Monday and Friday from 10am to 2pm and Tuesday and Thursday from 10am to 1pm.

Hadnall, Shrewsbury SY4 4AG
Hadnall Outreach Service is currently being finalised and will be communicated as soon as possible.

Marton, Welshpool SY21 8JT
The Marton Hosted Service will be located at the existing site on Thursday from 9am to 12pm and Friday from 9am to 11am

Montford Bridge, Montford Bridge Shrewsbury SY4 1EE
Montford Bridge Hosted Outreach Service will be offered for twelve hours per week from the existing site. Details of the opening hours will be communicated as soon as possible.

Munslow, Aston Munslow Garage, Munslow Craven Arms SY7 9ER
Munslow Outreach Service is currently being finalised and will be communicated as soon as possible.

Norton, The Old School, Village Road, Norton Shifnal TF11 9ED
Norton Outreach Service is currently being finalised and will be communicated as soon as possible.

Quatt, Bridgnorth WV15 6QN
Quatt Outreach Service is currently being finalised and will be communicated as soon as possible.

Snailbeach, Shrewsbury SY5 0LZ
Snailbeach Hosted Service will be at Perkins Beach Methodist Church Conference & Retreat Centre, Snailbeach SY5 0PF on Monday from 12.30pm to 3.30pm

Wentnor, The Shop, 2 Rock Close, Wentnor Bishops Castle SY9 5EP
Wentnor Hosted Service will be available at The Shop, 15 Rock Close, Wentnor, Bishops Castle SY9 5EP on Tuesday from 9.30am to 11.30am.

West Felton,The Cross, West Felton Oswestry SY11 4EH
West Felton Hosted Service will operate from the existing site on Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 9am to 12pm and on Saturday from 9.30 to 12.30.

Worthen, Shrewsbury SY5 9HT
Worthen Outreach Service is currently being finalised and will be communicated as soon as possible.

The six-week public consultation period on the proposal to close Pear Tree, 8-10 Coppice Road, Rugeley WS15 1LN will begin on Tuesday 15 July. All submissions should be received by Monday 1 September.

To express your views write to Mark Partington, Network Development Manager
C/o National Consultation Team, FREEPOST CONSULTATION TEAM

Or email : consultation@postoffice.co.uk or call the
Customer Helpline: 08457 22 33 44

A full list of the branches which will serve Shropshire and Staffordshire is available upon request.

Post by **TrueBlueTerrier** » 01 Sep 2008, 19:37

Shropshire and Staffordshire Post Office® area plan - Randlay and Mow Cop decision confirmed
05/08/2008

Post Office Ltd confirmed today that it will proceed with the closure of Randlay and Mow Cop Post Office Branches and will retain a total of 330 branches across the Shropshire and Staffordshire area. The remaining network of 330 branches supports the minimum access criteria prescribed by the Government and ensures that 98.9% of the Shropshire and Staffordshire area will either see no change or will remain within one mile (by road distance) of an alternative branch.

Mark Partington, Post Office Ltd’s Network Development Manager for Shropshire and Staffordshire, said: "We appreciate that any decision to close a Post Office® branch will often be unpopular. Nevertheless, Post Office Ltd has to make decisions to close branches in order to put the Network on a more stable footing for the future and achieve this in a way which best meets the demands and concerns of its customers."

Full details of all the decisions and issues raised during local public consultation in the Shropshire and Staffordshire area are available by visiting www.postoffice.co.uk/networkchange or by writing to Post Office Ltd at Freepost Consultation Team (no stamp needed) or by emailing consultation@postoffice.co.uk

Ends

Issued by Post Office Ltd:
Birmingham Mail Centre
St Stephens Street
BIRMINGHAM
B6 4AA

Note to editors

Post Office branches in the following parliamentary constituencies were included in the Shropshire and Staffordshire plan:

Newcastle-under-Lyme, Staffordshire Moorlands, Stone, Tamworth, Burton, Stafford,
Stoke-on-Trent Central, Stoke-on-Trent North, Stoke-on-Trent South, Cannock Chase, Lichfield, South Staffordshire, Ludlow, North Shropshire, Shrewsbury and, Atcham, Telford, The Wrekin

The Government criteria:

Nationally:

• 99% of the UK population to be within 3 miles and 90% of the population to be within 1 mile of their nearest Post Office® branch.

• 99% of the total population in deprived urban areas across the UK to be within 1 mile of their nearest Post Office® branch.

• 95% of the total urban population across the UK to be within 1 mile of their nearest Post Office® branch.

• 95% of the total rural population across the UK to be within 3 miles of their nearest Post Office® branch.

In addition, for each individual postcode district:

• 95% of the population of the postcode district to be within 6 miles of their nearest Post Office® branch.

The following branches will now close dates will be confirmed shortly.

Mow Cop, 19 High Street, Mow Cop Staffs ST7 3NZ
Randlay, Unit 1 Local Centre, Randlay Telford TF3 2LH

A full list of the branches which will remain open in the Shropshire and Staffordshire plan area is available upon request.

Post by **TrueBlueTerrier** » 01 Sep 2008, 19:38

West Berkshire and Wiltshire Post Office® outreach service confirmed
15/07/2008

Post Office Ltd today confirmed that Post Office® Avebury branch at Hope Cottage, Avebury, Marlborough SN8 1RF will close and be replaced by a Hosted Outreach Service that will operate from the existing site at Hope Cottage, Avebury, Marlborough SN8 1RF. The service will be available on Mon from 9am to 12pm and on, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 2pm to 5pm.The replacement service means that customers will still be able to access Post Office services locally.

During a further period of local public consultation which ended on 30 June, Post Office Ltd sought feedback on the specific Outreach service that would replace Avebury branch, in Marlborough to ensure that it was appropriate.

Post Office Ltd received two pieces of correspondence during this period of consultation. This enabled Post Office Ltd to improve its understanding of customers’ concerns and to ensure that all information was taken into account before a final decision was reached.

The decision to close the branch and replace it with an Outreach solution was reached after public consultation and Postwatch, the consumer body representing Post Office® customers, has verified the correct consultation procedures were followed.

Full details of all the decisions and issues raised during local public consultation in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight are available by visiting www.postoffice.co.uk/networkchange or by writing to Post Office Ltd at Freepost Consultation Team (no stamp needed) or by emailing consultation@postoffice.co.uk

Tim Nickolls, Post Office Ltd’s Network Development Manager for West Berkshire and Wiltshire, said: "The decision to close any Post Office branch is difficult and not one that is taken lightly. In the case of Avebury branch we are offering a replacement service that ensures that our customers are still able to access Post Office services locally. We believe that the amended plan announced in February and the replacement service confirmed today will offer our customers across West Berkshire and Wiltshire the best prospect for a sustainable network in the future, bearing in mind the Government’s minimum access criteria and the other factors it asked us to consider."

Ends

Issued by Post Office Ltd:
Birmingham Mail Centre
St Stephens Street
BIRMINGHAM
B6 4AA

Note to editors

Post Office branches in the following parliamentary constituencies were included in the Hampshire and the Isle of Wight plan:

Basingstoke, East Hampshire, Eastleigh, Fareham, Gosport, Havant, Isle of Wight,
New Forest East, New Forest West, North East Hampshire, North West Hampshire,
Portsmouth North, Portsmouth South, Romsey, Southampton Itchen, Southampton Test, Winchester

The Government criteria:

Nationally:

• 99% of the UK population to be within 3 miles and 90% of the population to be within 1 mile of their nearest Post Office® branch.

• 99% of the total population in deprived urban areas across the UK to be within 1 mile of their nearest Post Office® branch.

• 95% of the total urban population across the UK to be within 1 mile of their nearest Post Office® branch.

• 95% of the total rural population across the UK to be within 3 miles of their nearest Post Office® branch.

In addition, for each individual postcode district:

• 95% of the population of the postcode district to be within 6 miles of their nearest Post Office® branch.

The following branch will close and be replaced by an Outreach service.

Post Office Ltd proposes running a hosted service from the current Post Office site at Hope Cottage, Avebury, Marlborough SN8 1RF on Monday from 9am to 12pm and on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 2pm to 5pm.

A full list of the branches which will remain open in West Berkshire and Wiltshire under the area plan is available upon request.

ROYALMAILCHAT

DECISIONS ON POST OFFICE CLOSURES

Post Offices in Greater Manchester and High Peak

Decisions announced on the future of Post Offices in West Yo

Hampshire and the Isle of Wight Post Office

North East, Tayside and Fife

Oxfordshire and Gloucestershire

Penparc Post Office branch decision

Pentwynmawr Post Office Branch Decision

Post Office confirms changes to network in South & West Wale

Post Office confirms decisions for branches in Central Wales

Surrey, Berkshire and West Sussex

further eleven branches in the South & West Wales ar

Bristol and Somerset area plan

Shropshire and Staffordshire

Randlay and Mow Cop decision confirmed

West Berkshire and Wiltshire