A ROYAL Mail sorting and delivery office will close today, despite the pleas of thousands of residents.
The office in London Road, Leigh, has been earmarked for closure since May, but a petition against the proposal gathered more than 8,200 names.
On Thursday, residents gathered to show their disgust the plans were still going ahead. People needing to collect parcels will now have to travel to Short Street sorting office, in Southend.
James Preston, 37, of Flemming Avenue, said: “By making us go to Southend we have to pay for parking, whereas now we can walk here.
“No doubt it’ll be sold for flats, which our roads just can’t take.”
His neighbour, Lisa Hyde, 39, said: “We have disabled and elderly neighbours who can’t drive, but are able to walk the short distance up here. It’s not fair to make everyone travel to Southend.”
Alan Watkins, 71, also of Flemming Avenue, added: “I use it all the time.”
Caroline Parker, chairman of the Leigh Town Council, which opposed the closure, said: “The building is about 80 years old and has been serving the people of Leigh all that time. We have 10,000 households and we deserve to have our own sorting office, not to have to go to central Southend.
“This is affecting residents and the postmen. They say it’ll take longer to get from Southend to their routes and rather than do additional hours driving, they will employ more staff. Where is the financial saving in that?”
The closure is part of a nationwide plan. Sorting offices in Shoebury, Rochford, Canewdon and Great Wakering have all closed or are due to be closed.
Royal Mail says people can have parcels left with a neighbour or use its free re-delivery service.
