'Underhand' decision making over Porthleven Post Office, councillor claims

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Leaflets have been sent to Porthleven Post Office showing its new opening times – despite the company saying an official decision on changes is still to be made.

It is after Post Office Ltd revealed its plan to remove the dedicated post office counter within Porthleven Convenience Store, as well as the salary that shop owners Paul and Sharon Edwards receive for running it.

This latest move from the company has been criticised by town and Cornwall Councillor Andrew Wallis, who told the town council: “I find that very underhand.

“I’m very disappointed with the way the Post Office has conducted themselves over this. It does, for me, seem that they have made up their minds without taking into consideration the public over this.”

In particular he did not believe the company had fully considered how the branch was also used as a bank by both residents and businesses in the port, with the next closest one being 2.5 miles away in Helston.

Not only was cash deposited, but businesses used it to get change for tills. Although this could still be done at the new, open counter, there are fears over the privacy for customers and safety of staff.

Another “grave concern” was that anyone popping in just to buy a paper, but who had to wait behind a queue for banking, was unlikely to return and the shop would lose custom.


There was also the risk that staff might have to go, as the salary received by Mr and Mrs Edwards is used to pay wages, according to Mr Wallis. Without it, the team of seven might have to reduce to three or four.

A meeting has been held between Mr Wallis and the head of external relations for Post Office Ltd, which deputy mayor Barbara Powell and town clerk Corrie Thompson were also able to attend.

“The gentleman from the Post Office said this is a voluntary process – but if you didn’t do this, we’ll look at removing the post office anyway,” said Mr Wallis, paraphrasing the conversation.

“Sharon and Paul feel that if they didn’t agree to this, they’d risk losing the post office.”

He said he was looking into whether there were any legal grounds to challenge what was happening.

Despite only being given two weeks’ notice, however, more than 70 people have written to Post Office Ltd giving their objections to the changes.

Mr Wallis said he had written to MP Derek Thomas for his support, but had not received a reply, adding that this was “disappointing.”

The Packet had not received a response from Post Office Ltd as it went to press.