Support grows for mail battle in Burniston

[TrueBlueTerrier]

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THE public and Scarborough's politicians have got behind Burniston Post Office in its fight to keep mail services in the village.

The Royal Mail has asked Post Offices Limited if it can stop mailwork at the office, along with another 25 across the UK, meaning customers could soon have to travel to Scarborough to pick up undelivered mail.

Staff say the loss of mailwork would reduce the office's income by 25 per cent, which threatens its long-term survival.

Owner Sue Harris, who has run the Post Office with husband Stuart for three and a half years, said: "We're very pleased with the level of support we've received and I know a lot of people have written to Royal Mail putting our case. I just hope it helps to save us.

"People are disgusted that the shop and the business could be at risk, it's a big story round here – we almost sold out of the Evening News when it was reported in the paper.

"There are 26 sub-post offices being reviewed, but we've no idea where the others are. At least we're not alone.

"The Labour Parliamentary candidate Annajoy David has been a star – she couldn't have done more."

Ms David has contacted Yorkshire and Humberside minister Rosie Winterton and Lord Young of Norwood Green to plead the office's case.

She has also spoken to Royal Mail.

She said: "It's vital to keep these services open – stopping them shouldn't even be on the agenda.

"I'll do anything I can to help retain them and I'd like to ask the public to get behind Burniston Post Office in their struggle."

Burniston councillor Andrew Backhouse has added his voice to the fight and contacted Royal Mail.

He said: "It is of deep concern that Royal Mail are even considering removing the remaining mailwork services from Burniston Post Office and Newsmarket, especially in a climate of remaining uncertainty regards the overall provision of rural post offices.

"The villages of Burniston and Cloughton contain many elderly residents, and not all have access to a motor vehicle. The provisions, and services, offered by our only village shop are a vital lifeline to those residents who have no means or desire to drive into the retail hub of Scarborough.

"Let's not brush over the fact that this particular Post Office holds mail for the following areas: Burniston, Cloughton, Harwood Dale, Ravenscar, and Staintondale. For some residents to retrieve their mail this will mean a round trip in excess of 20 miles, and a journey time of over an hour."

Mayfield councillor Jane Kenyon has also contacted Royal Mail.

"Once again rural areas are under attack by Royal Mail. If this service goes they will effectively disenfranchise people in this area, unless they are sitting at home to ensure they get the service that Royal Mail is supposed to deliver."

[Thorby Bislam]

And the callers office in Scarborough is way too small, even for just their own area. It spills out into the prep area.
Frames have been taken out and packets are stacked up all over the place. It can take ages to find an item sometimes.
Last thing they need is the rurals mail as well.

[Stammerking]

Good luck with the battle!

Ex Scarborough postie