Whitstable's crown post office status could be saved

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Whitstable's crown post office status could be saved, unconfirmed reports suggest http://www.kentonline.co.uk/whitstable/ ... -on-43532/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;



A crown post office could open on Whitstable's former sorting office site, reports suggest.

Campaigners fighting for the preservation of the town's crown status claim “reliable sources” have revealed post office bosses are in talks to open a site in Cromwell Road.

The office closed in May 2013 and is to be redeveloped with flats and a retail outlet in its place.

Campaigners think the crown post office will go on the former sorting office site

Brian Hitcham, president of Whitstable's chamber of commerce, said: "This site is to be redeveloped with a retail outlet in place and I am reliably informed that Post Office Ltd have confirmed to the Co Op, and the developer, that it is a full crown post office service that will be going into the building, subject to the usual planning consent from Canterbury City Council.

"Following the failed franchise of the Budgens Invicta store it’s become increasingly apparent that Whitstable deserves nothing less than a continuing crown post office service for its 30,000 residents, its business people and its many visitors.

"This is what we will continue to campaign for and I will be writing in due course to Roger Gale, the manager of the crown network, to seek official confirmation of this news.”

Julie Wassmer speaks to the crowd at the last post protest

Whitstable campaigner Julie Wassmer confirmed that she had learnt from “reliable sources” that the town will retain its crown status.

It follows the closure of the Gladstone Road office in April.

She said: "We have always said that we would support the move of Whitstable’s post office into a retail outlet only as a crown post office and not as a franchised service - which would be at the vagaries of the commercial market.

"Whitstable sent this message loud and clear to Post Office Ltd with our Last Post protest that took place in April at the crown post office, followed by the occupation of the building that day.

Customers currently use a temporary post office on the Gladstone Road car park

"Since both those events were covered in the BBC 2 documentary "Signed, Sealed, Delivered – Inside the Post Office, I’m sure Roger Gale now understands the level of commitment from our town to retain its crown post office.

"I’d like him to know that, as Post Office Ltd seems so interested in making money at the expenses of local services, if he would only engage with us in some meaningful discussion, I’m sure the people of Whitstable would be happy to help him with ideas as to how to make a crown post office profitable."

Post Office spokesman Suzette Rabout said the company is still looking for a suitable site.

She said: "The Post Office continues to look for a suitable retailer to operate Whitstable post office on a permanent basis following the withdrawal of a potential franchise partner last year.

"The vast majority of post office branches across the UK, well over 10,000, are successfully operated on a franchise basis.

"Customer satisfaction is just as high at these branches as at crown branches. Changing to this model has in many cases had significant benefits including longer opening hours and improved retail environments.

"Post office is currently considering all options to ensure that the post office services are maintained in the Whitstable community. When we have any confirmed proposal we will share this information with customers and stakeholders.”