Royal Mail slammed for move to close Usk sorting office

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THE ROYAL Mail came under fire at a public meeting held to explain its decision to close Usk sorting office next year.

Around 170 people called on Royal Mail to reconsider relocating workers to Pontypool in January.

Representatives from Royal Mail, joined Usk Mayor Alec Leathwood and Monmouth AM Nick Ramsay and MP David Davies attended the meeting at the Memorial Hall on Thursday.

There was overwhelming opposition to the closure, one man branded the lack of consultation with residents was “shameful” whilst another raised concerns about the impact on the environment if postmen have to travel further to deliver mail.

Among concerns raised was that the merger could lead to a poorer service in the rural areas and that post would be delivered late.

Local postman, Simon Thomas said he failed to see the sense in delivering Monmouthshire mail from outside of the county.

Mr Davies, who called the meeting after being inundated with letters of concern, pledged to meet Royal Mail chiefs.

"I want Royal Mail to understand how strongly people feel and will take it up with the highest level at Royal Mail," he said.

Mr Ramsay said the community highly values the sorting office and that the benefits of keeping it open far outweigh the financial savings made by relocating.

Royal Mail’s senior Welsh affairs manager, Heulyn Gwyn Davies admitted it was a “commercial decision”, despite initially citing health and safety reasons and refused to reveal the savings made by the closure.

Stuart Marsh, Royal Mail delivery sector manager, said it is the only viable option to improve efficiency.

A 1,000-named petition, collected in four days, calling for Royal Mail to reconsider was presented by staff.