New blow in fight to save Coventry city centre post office

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IC Coventry Link

Dec 28 2007

By Jane Stirland


THE fight to save Coventry's main city centre post office has been dealt another blow.

Postal services watchdog Postwatch has said it will not be objecting to the loss of the Hertford Street branch.

The group says it recognises that change is necessary to ensure the long-term future of viable post office branches.

"While we recognise that it is not an ideal situation, we also recognise that it is a business decision taken by Post Office Ltd in difficult circumstances.

"It is far preferable to have a franchised post office than to see the closure of a post office branch," it says in its response to the consultation over the planned closure of the Hertford Street crown office.

Neil Robinson, secretary of the Coventry area branch of the Communication Workers' Union, which represents most of the crown office's staff, said they were "extremely disappointed" at the Postwatch response.

"They are just not looking at it from the customer's point of view."

The Post Office plans to close the Hertford Street office in the spring, transferring services to a franchised office within the West Orchards branch of WH Smith.

Postwatch has, however, raised some concerns about WH Smith's plans to site the post office on the first floor.

It has asked for "clear signage" to be placed on the ground floor directing customers unable to use stairs or escalators to the West Orchards shopping centre where there is a lift.

Postwatch also wants a "private and secure" screenless sub-post office counter made available on the ground floor for customers unable to use the stairs, escalator or lift.

It has also asked for information about post boxes at the new site and whether existing boxes will remain.

The watchdog says that if the proposal goes ahead it will continue to monitor services at the branch.

The Hertford Street office is among branches all over the country facing the axe after the Post Office reported that its network of 400 offices lost £50million in 2005-6 with anticipated losses this year of £70million.

The company has refused to give the figures for Hertford Street, saying it is sensitive business information.

Cllr Kevin Foster (Con. Cheylesmore), Coventry City Council cabinet member for city development, said he was disappointed that Postwatch had not opposed the closure "but we are pleased it has picked up on a number of issues surrounding the planned move to WH Smith".

It has also asked for information about post boxes at the new site and whether existing boxes will remain.

The watchdog says that if the proposal goes ahead it will continue to monitor services at the branch.

The Hertford Street office is among branches all over the country facing the axe after the Post Office reported that its network of 400 offices lost £50million in 2005-6 with anticipated losses this year of £70million.

The company has refused to give the figures for Hertford Street, saying it is sensitive business information.