LMU delivers helping hand after local post office closures

[TrueBlueTerrier]

http://www.horsforthtoday.co.uk/4545/He ... 4753089.jp

Published Date: 02 December 2008

By Suzanne McTaggart

Leeds Metropolitan University has become the first in the country to open its mailroom to the public after post office closures caused chaos in the community.

The dispatch centre at the Headingley campus of Leeds Metropolitan University will provide a postal service for students, staff and residents following the closure of three post offices in the surrounding area.

Leeds Met Delivers offers discounts of up to 30 per cent on selected recorded delivery items including overseas mail and parcels, with customers also able to buy stamps and stationery and use a designated packing table free of charge.

Dispatch and project manager Steve Woods said: "It just seemed to make sense. There are a lot of new houses going up but there seem to be fewer post offices, so we thought we could open our mailroom to the community.

"Because we're mainly a business service, we receive discounts and we want to pass on those savings to the customer.
"This is just the start of something bigger. If it goes well, we'll be looking at ways to expand and offer more services."

The launch of the new service was attended by Leeds North West MP Greg Mulholland, who fought hard over the post offices closures in Bramhope, Far Headingley and the Newall estate in Otley.

He said: "I'm really glad that the University is providing this service to local residents."

* The new centre will be open at Leeds Met's Headingley campus from 10am until 3pm each day.