Penzance set to march to keep its post office

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Anyone who uses or values the services at Penzance post office is urged to join a march protesting against a proposed move to WH Smith.

Two weeks ago the Post Office announced the start of a six-week consultation period as it considers moving Penzance's postal services from its current location at the top of Market Jew Street 150 yards down the road to the high street retailer.

The scheme, when it first came to light in January, was strongly opposed by many in the town – Penzance town councillors were unanimously against the idea as were the town's three Cornwall councillors along with West Cornwall MP Derek Thomas.

In addition, petitions, both online and paper, were started which have now been signed by several thousand people.

The Post Office says that the new WH Smith branch will result in customers getting the same range of services from four serving positions in WH Smith as well as three self-service kiosks.

The new branch would be open for an extra 9.5 hours a week (on Saturday afternoon and Sunday).

Explaining the reasons behind the move, Roger Gale, general manager of the Post Office Crown Network, said that relocating would help secure long-term viability of services for local customers.

"We are making sure we take the right action to sustain services for years to come," he said. "We must adapt to the changing needs of our customers, who want a convenient and flexible choice of when and how they do business with us – whether that is face to face or on the web.

"We have to adapt so that we can maintain our presence on high streets and in the heart of communities, which we are determined to do."

However Cornelius Olivier, one of the three Cornwall councillors organising the march, said the post office "already provides an excellent service where it is".

"It is very important that one of Penzance's flagship buildings remains in use and it is nothing short of scandalous that the accommodation above the post office remains empty.

"I have nothing against WH Smith which I am very pleased to see on the high street in Penzance but I think it is pushing it to say that is the best place for a post office.

"After all the regeneration work which has been going on in Penzance, to have the post office building empty would be a real setback."

Mr Thomas added his support, saying: "Most people I've met are concerned about our post office in Penzance moving from its present location.

"Despite a united effort to keep the current arrangement it is clear that Post Office Ltd is set on this move to WH Smith.

"I urge everyone who is concerned to make their views known to the Post Office and also to attend the public event that is planned later this month.

"I welcome the fact that the plan is to keep the post office in the town centre. However, a change of heart by the Post Office to keep our Crown Post Office would be much more welcome."

Mr Olivier said that the march will assemble at St John's Hall in the morning of Saturday, July 16 (exact time to be confirmed) and will march to the Wharfside offices of the MP with a petition.