Post Office Local Branded "A Disaster"

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VILLAGERS who famously saved their local shop by becoming part of an innovative new scheme have branded it a disaster.

Bishampton residents came together to rescue the Post Office, which was re-opened in February this year, by buying the building under the pilot project.

But the Post Office Local scheme that promised to provide 95 percent of the Sub Post Office services has fallen short, say residents.

Parish Council Chairman Don Cheetham said: “The Post Office Local system is not working out here for the parishioners or the post master.

“It is a disaster. Many customers have to go into Pershore because the Post Office here cannot provide all the services.

“And the helpline just isn’t helpful. We are supposed to be a pilot store, but when we talk to them they tell us that although its a trial, what we have now is what we will get.”

Villagers are now taking their plight to Mid-Worcestershire MP Peter Luff.

Mr Cheetham added: “We have written to MP Peter Luff and he has said he will help us with this issue.”

Currently the post master, who is not paid a wage, is unable to carry out payments and withdrawals, villagers cannot pay their bills at the store and all pensions and cash back are initially paid out of the shop takings before being refunded 48 hours later.

Bishampton resident and Vice Chairman of the Parish Council Rodney Hodgkins said: “People go into the store and can’t do what they want, then they don’t go back to the shop because they think it has limited services.

“And people can only take money out if there is enough cash in the takings.

“The post master is not paid a wage but the condition of the Parish Council is the person running the shop must also run the Post Office services.”

A Post Office Ltd spokesman said: “The Post Office Local concept is a way of providing Post Offices that offer more convenient opening hours to customers and enable the operator to make a good return on running the Post Office within the store.

“Post Office Local pilot work continues as we refine and develop this service offer for our customers. We have met with representatives of the Parish Council to discuss their concerns and will continue to work closely with our stakeholders as we evaluate the pilots.”