Plans to axe parcel service are dropped

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ROYAL Mail has abandoned controversial plans to change its services in the Wincanton and Bruton area.

Under a prospective new policy, homeowners in Bruton would no longer be able to pick up undelivered mail from the town's post office.

Residents would rather be forced to make a 10-mile round trip to Wincanton to retrieve undelivered mail of parcels.

However, after a two-month 'consultation period', Royal Mail have abandoned the proposed changes.

A Royal Mail spokesperson said: "Following further detailed consideration, undelivered items of mail will continue to be available for collection by customers from Bruton Post Office.

"This decision acknowledges feedback from local customers and follows careful study of all aspects of the service. We will continue to offer all our customers alternative means of receiving undelivered items of mail, including redelivery to the addressee or to another local address in the same postcode area, as specified by the customer.

"Royal Mail is currently seeking regulatory changes to allow the extension of a recent successful UK-wide 'delivery to neighbour' trial that will make it easier for our customers who are not at home during the day to receive items that are too large to go through the letterbox or that require a signature."

Somerset county councillor Anna Groskop, who lives in Bruton, wrote to Royal Mail in protest over the plans last month.

She welcomed the policy U-turn, but is remaining cautious for the future.

Mrs Groskop said: "It's wonderful news that they have changed their mind. However, if they decide to change a policy in the future, I would hope they will consult the local residents. Even with this decision, disappointingly there was no consultation which shows no respect to the customers.

"As people's incomes get smaller, benefits get reduced and the price of petrol escalates, you can't just assume that everyone can get into a car and drive to Wincanton.

"Bruton is surviving well in this economic climate, but taking away the main services from our high street will be seriously damaging.

"One hand seems to be stressing the importance of preserving the high street, and another seems to be taking crucial services away."

Mrs Groskop had introduced a petition for local residents to express their discontent over Royal Mail's proposed plans.

She argued it was unrealistic to expect elderly residents to travel to Wincanton using public transport to collect their undelivered mail and parcels.

She said: "It could have taken some Bruton residents up to three or four hours to retrieve their mail."