Bid to avoid 13-mile trek after sorting office shuts

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A POST office worker has offered to take in residents' parcels to stop them facing a 13-mile round trip to collect them.

Royal Mail is set to close Kidsgrove Sorting Office, which would leave customers having to travel to Knutton to pick up undelivered packages.

But Kidsgrove Post Office's Desmond Wrenn, aged 54, is asking for permission to retain parcels for residents.

The sub-postmaster at the branch in The Avenue said: "I have made it known that I am available to talk to Royal Mail to see if I can be of assistance.

"The Post Office is a lifeline to Kidsgrove and customers depend on us, especially the elderly and the infirm who don't have the transport to travel to Knutton."

The sorting office in Congleton Road, Butt Lane, currently deals with mail which could not be delivered, but it is due to close in April.

And if Mr Wrenn, of Leek Road, Kidsgrove, is given the go-ahead residents could pick up items from him instead.

He said: "This is the site of an old sorting office and I feel as if I have got enough space to provide the extra services.

"It is just a case of the amount of work they feel they want to pass out."

Mr Wrenn, a former insurance broker, applied to take on the sorting duties through the federation of sub-postmasters two weeks ago.

MP Joan Walley has campaigned for a collection point to remain in Kidsgrove.

And Kidsgrove Town Council has also invited the sub-postmaster to speak about his plans.

Mr Wrenn said: "It is about doing the best we can for the local community."

Residents have backed the plans to provide the service.

Stephanie Viggars, aged 26, who is a nursery nurse from Stone Bank Road, Kidsgrove, said: "It is really useful to have a local collection point because I use it when parcels are dropped off for me and I am at work.

"Knutton is a long way for people who do not drive."

Emma McUlton, aged 32, of Rutland Road, Kidsgrove, said: "I think it would be a great idea for everyone."

The branch in The Avenue currently employs six staff, but more may be needed if it takes on the increased workload.

Royal Mail spokesman Val Bodden said: "Royal Mail is still consulting with the Communications Workers Union on a proposal to relocate the Kidsgrove Delivery Office to our operation at Newcastle.

"Part of that consultation will include the possibility of providing a locally-based service for the collection of mail items, should the move go ahead."

[Postman Plodd]

and then they'll close the post office too

[Lounge Lizard]

"13 mile trek" as if it can be only be done on foot.