Oundle delivery office closes

[TrueBlueTerrier]

http://www.northantset.co.uk/news/Oundl ... 3961332.jp

It's claimed a small community could have its "heart ripped out" if a Royal Mail delivery office is closed.

The Oundle delivery office could be shut as early as February 2009, despite concerns of the Communications Workers' Union that it could mean job cuts, and a delayed service for residents of the town and surrounding villages.

Now the union is starting a campaign to stop the closure, with Oundle town councillors, town mayor Paul King, Corby and East Northamptonshire MP Phil Hope and 3,000 residents signing a petition backing the union.

Cyril Carroll, employee at the centre for 38 years, said: "Oundle historically has a tradition of a postal service going back some 100 years.

"This plays an integral role in delivering frontline services and performing a social function for the community.

"After 38 years of service I will fight to keep Oundle open and would ask my customers and friends within the community to support my colleagues and me in this campaign."

It is feared the closure of this office will cause delays, with all mail deliveries and collections being carried out from Peterborough, meaning customers will have to travel a 30-mile round trip to collect parcels.

The union also argues that the closure could damage the town's economic growth and increase congestion as delivery office employees will be forced to travel out of Oundle for work. The union, along with local members' met Oundle Town Council on March 13 to discuss the Royal Mail's closure programme, which is believed to be due to financial cuts.
Paul Moffat, Communication Workers' Union Eastern Region Secretary, said: "Oundle delivery office closure is yet another nail in the coffin of postal services within the UK.

"The delivery office in Oundle should be a gateway to Royal Mail's services for the local and surrounding communities, it is a public service provision not an industry bound by profit motives."

To get involved in the campaign to save the Oundle Delivery Office contact Adam Oakes by emailing areadelivery.eastern5@virgin.net.