Post Office plans get community riled up at public forum

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Post Office plans get community riled up at public forum in Eastcote

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People who live and work in Eastcote and surrounding towns met staff who work for the Post Office and union representatives to discuss the move at a customer forum on Friday (August 1).

The Post Office plans to close its Eastcote branch and move it inside card and gift shop Forget Me Not in Field End Road.

It would then be owned and run by Token House Retail Limited.

The proposed move is part of a major programme across the Post Office network to make sure it is no longer reliant on Government funding.

Ann Scullard, who lives in Eastcote , said: “I think it is a loss of two facilities in the high street. We lose the post office as it is moving into a smaller shop, and we lose a gift shop - which is something that people do come to Eastcote for.

“I’ve lived here since 1962 and Eastcote is a lovely place to live - we want to maintain it.”

Jill Owens and husband Pat Owens live in Pinner but come to Eastcote to use the Post Office.

Mrs Owens said: “I don’t think we could cope if it closes. We hardly ever have to wait at Eastcote, but I’m worried at busy times like Christmas - the queues will be out the door.

“The staff are so quick and helpful and friendly and they remember you. I don’t think there is any chance of getting the same service,” she said.

David Mills, from Ruislip Manor, also travels to use Eastcote’s post office. He said: “I’m old school, for me I like a post office to be in a post office - not inside a shop.

“I understand they have got to make money but I think it should be kept as it is.”

Simon Burman, senior stakeholder manager at the Post Office, said: “The Post Office is run as a business and for every pound that is spent, it costs us £1.75 to process. That is not sustainable and we have to find ways to cut costs and still keep the post office running in the high street, that is what we are trying to do.

“This public consultation is a chance for people to give their feedback on the move but this is not a vote. The Post Office is moving into a franchise.”

There are a number of ways to give feedback on the move, by going online to postofficeviews.co.uk and filling out a questionnaire, by emailing comments@postoffice.co.uk, by calling 08457 223344 or by writing to FREEPOST Your Comments. Quote the branch code 003020 in all communication.

The consultation period ends on August 20 and if plans go ahead the post office will move into Forget Me Not in October.