Royal Mail admits it is closing Melksham delivery office

[TrueBlueTerrier]

http://www.wiltshiretimes.co.uk/news/la ... ry_office/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Melksham Post Office is to lose its delivery office next year.

Last week it refused to admit the plans were in the offing despite rumours and union concerns but today it confirmed the Church Street office will close in spring 2012 with the service moved to Chippenham after following rumours around the town.

The news has been met with anger from townspeople.

Mayor Rod Eaton said: “I’m absolutely disgusted they haven’t even consulted with anyone about what alternatives could be made.

"To find out this way as well, we’ve had to listen to rumours which have now been confirmed. We will be protesting in the strongest terms, and we have already written to the Post Office and to Wiltshire Council.”

Around 40 people work at the post office at the moment but Royal Mail said there will be no compulsory redundancies following the move.

It said the service to Melksham residents will not be affected as it hopes to continue to allow customers to collect undelivered mail from Melksham.

Cllr Vic Oakman, who has added the matter as an urgent item at a Melksham Town Council development meeting on Monday evening, said: “It’s really bad news for the town.

"We’ll definitely be fighting this really hard. It’s killing our town, it’s just becoming a dormitory town. The counter service could be on its way next, it’s a possibility.”

Mr Oakman said that options included starting a petition against the move and contacting MP Duncan Hames.

Royal Mail’s Thames Valley Delivery Director, Gary Burgess said: “We are telling our people about the move now before the detailed planning starts.

"We want to be able to work with our people on the change and have the opportunity to discuss the implications individually.”

[Lounge Lizard]

"Wednesday 4th November 2009
A series of post boxes across west Wiltshire towns have been blown up by vandals using fireworks.
Wiltshire Police have launched an inquiry after 12 boxes were damaged between Hallowe'en and Sunday in Melksham and Trowbridge.
In all the incidents, members of the public reported hearing loud bangs and finding post boxes on fire. All of them were either completely destroyed or had their fronts blown off.
It is believed that the fires were started by fireworks."

This is just the start. Royal Mail might be retreating from Melksham completely.

[SexyLegs]

Where exactly will Melksham fit into the delivery office at Chippenham?, I know of the office and they are already cramped for space and an extra 40 staff, you're havin a laugh Royal Mail!!!

Where are they gonna go?