RM to shut Cottingley delivery office in cost-cutting move

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Royal Mail to shut delivery office in cost-cutting move

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The cost-cutting move, which will happen in the next 12 months, will not affect the Post Office counter and there are not expected to be any job losses.

But it will mean people who need to pick up parcels have to travel to Malmo Road in Hull.

Royal Mail says it is faced with declining mail volumes and increasingly tough trading conditions.

A spokesman said: "In the UK, mail volumes have declined by 25 per cent in the past several years.

"With 21 million fewer letters posted every day compared with five years ago, we must modernise our operations and the consolidation of delivery offices will play a major part in allowing us to place the business on a sound, secure and stable footing."

The move has been criticised in Cottingham.

East Riding ward councillor Ros Jump said: "This is absolutely preposterous. "They should be more imaginative about how to deliver the service.

"Closing the delivery office will be an enormous inconvenience.

"There are many elderly people living here. How are they going to get to Malmo Road? There is no direct bus service."

The councillor asked why parcels could not be picked up at the post office counter.

Royal Mail's delivery sector manager, Sarah Lewis- Palmer, said: "We have been talking to our people about the move as we must modernise our operations.

"The relocation of Cottingham is part of this, allowing us to place the business on a stable footing.

"Our service to customers will continue to be a top priority during these changes.

"Customers can be reassured we will do all we can to minimise disruption and ensure we maintain the high level of service they expect from Royal Mail."

She added talks were underway with staff, saying: "We are confident moving the Cottingham operation will provide improved working conditions, secure employment and a more cost effective operation.

"Detailed planning for the move is taking place to ensure a smooth transition for our operations.

"We are working with our staff and the unions on the change and giving them the opportunity to discuss the implications individually.

"We have a strong track record of managing change.

"There will not be any compulsory redundancies as a result of this move.

"We will also – in line with our business policy – reimburse our staff for any extra mileage incurred by the changes in their place of work."

But for Ms Jump, the biggest issue is the impact on Cottingham customers.

She said: "It's a nightmare trek to Malmo Road if you haven't got a car. Elderly and infirm people are going to have to rely on people's good nature. It won't be worth their while getting a taxi."