Village post office boss reinstated after probe

[TrueBlueTerrier]

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A popular village subpostmaster who was suspended after an audit of his Post Office has been reinsisted - and today spoke of his shock at the way he has been treated.

Kiran Mulholland, an independent councillor in Fylde, had been subpostmaster at Freckleton Post Office for 30 years.

But earlier this month the Post Office was closed down following and internal audit by Post Office bosses.

The audit is said to have raised concerns about administration and filing systems at the Preston Old Road branch. It had nothing to do with finances.

And Mr Mulholland, who represents the Freckletion East ward on Fylde Council, is now being reinsisted to his position from September 3.

But he says the way he has been treated as left a bitter taste and as soon as he finds a buyer for the Post Office, he will leave.

The 57-year-old said: “There has been a bit of misunderstanding. I have been doing it for 30 years and I have possibly got a bit disorganised.

“There were no issues financially, there was no question of dishonesty.

“It was all around administration and organisation side of it. It was to do with the filing system - and the lack of.

“Whilst there has not been an apology, they have said that they felt it was a bit harsh and they are quite happy to reinstate me.”

He will also now be given some additional staff help by Royal Mail for part of the week.

But he added: “To get such harsh treatment, especially in a village where I’m a councillor, your reputation is damaged irretrivably.

“My mum is 89 and she worked in the Post Office before me. She is horrified.

“I will be pleased to be back behind the counter and just hold my head up but it is still up for sale and as soon as I find a buyer, I am out.”

Mr Mulholland says he is hoping to concetrate on his dreamzdigital.co.uk wedding photography business.

He added: “I would also like to take this opportunity to thank the people of Freckleton for their support during this difficult time, and I wish to thank my family and friends for their loyalty and support.

“I would also like to express a special thank you to my borough colleagues, councillors Trevor Fiddler, Tommy Threlfall and Fabian Craig-Wilson ,for their encouragement and kindness during what has been a very stressful time.”

Coun Threlfall, also a Freckleton East councillor, said: “I’m very pleased he is back in position because the Post Office is central to people’s wellbeing in the village.”

Coun Craig-Wilson, councillor for the Central ward, said: “I am very pleased he has been reinstated. It seems to be justice has prevailed.”

A spokesman for the Royal Mail said: “Service has continued and the office is open.”

[subbie]

Ah the old POL suspend first ask questions later policy is at work again.

Surely a matter such as poor admin could have been sorted out behind the scenes without the need to suspend someone on "no pay" for weeks?

No wonder Postmasters are chucking in the keys and closing PO's down if they are treated as if they are guilty and then have to prove their innocence.

Subbie

[Lounge Lizard]

Ah the old POL suspend first ask questions later policy is at work again.

Surely a matter such as poor admin could have been sorted out behind the scenes without the need to suspend someone on "no pay" for weeks?

No wonder Postmasters are chucking in the keys and closing PO's down if they are treated as if they are guilty and then have to prove their innocence.

Subbie

and if he wasn't an 'independent councillor' he might not have had the strength to fight them and win.