CHESTERFIELD: Threat to town’s post office sparks campaign

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Campaigners have called a public meeting in a bid to save Chesterfield’s town centre Crown Post Office from closure.

The meeting, in the Lecture Theatre at Chesterfield Library, New Beetwell Street, is scheduled for 1pm, on Monday, September 9.

Campaigners hope the CWU backed meeting will raise awareness of the threat to jobs and services with the Post Office Ltd’s plans to close the Chesterfield Crown Office and relocate the operation inside another retailer.

Speakers, including Ian Ward, National Executive member for the Communication Workers’ Union, will be explaining how Post Office Ltd’s plans for the office in the Market Place could also affect residents and staff.

Post Office Ltd has also been invited to attend to explain their plans.

David Bowmaker, Territorial Representative for the Communication Workers Union, said: “Chesterfield Crown Post Office is an essential part of the local economy. It’s a valuable asset to the town and is relied upon by local residents and businesses as well as people who collect their pensions and benefits here.

“The staff in Chesterfield Crown Post Office are well trained and have over 250 years of experience between them which could be lost under the company’s plans to close this office and find what it calls a retail partner.

“Chesterfield, like so many towns, is struggling in the current climate and if this Post Office was to close it would be a major blow to the local economy and to the services which many people rely on.

“There are hundreds of people who come to this office every day and we just don’t think the same service could be matched by a few windows in the back of another shop.

“This is a dedicated office with good access arrangements in a prominent town centre position.

“We want these local jobs and services to be protected and that’s why we have called the meeting.”

Chesterfield is one of 76 Crown Post Offices earmarked for closure or franchise, according to the CWU, and it employs 20 people who are facing an uncertain future if the franchising plans go ahead.