Public pressure forces Post Office U-turn in Staplehurst

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Plans to relocate the branch to the far end of the village have been scrapped following a consultation

Intense public pressure in Staplehurst has forced the Post Office to U-turn on its plans to relocate the branch.

Proposals were announced earlier this year to move the branch from its current position in the Hight Street to Station Road at the far end of the village.

But locals were worried about the impact this could have upon those who may not be able to manage the 1.5 mile round trip to the proposed new location.

It was also felt the move would have a detrimental impact upon the health and prosperity of the village, particularly in light of other notable removals such as the closure of NatWest bank and the decision by Sainsbury’s to abandon their plans for a petrol station.

Now, after receiving 206 individual responses from customers and local representatives, including Conservative candidate Helen Grant, as well as concerns from the independent statutory consumer watchdog, Citizens Advice, the Post Office has backed down.

“In the main, feedback focused on the proposed location, which was said to be too far away from the current site and difficult to access, particularly for elderly and less able residents,” a spokesperson said.

“Feedback also commented on parking, which was said to be very limited at the proposed location.

“However, we also received a large petition in support of having a Post Office at the proposed location.

“In making our decision, we have taken into account all relevant factors including the impact this would have on customer access to our services, the responses we received as part of the consultation process and the concerns raised by Citizens Advice.

“The branch will therefore continue to operate from its existing location 3 Milestone Buildings, High Street, Staplehurst, TN12 0AB for the time being.

“Any further proposed relocation would be subject to a further 6-week public consultation.”

It comes after Mrs Grant’s fellow Conservative candidate in neighbouring Tonbridge and Malling, Tom Tugendhat, warned colleagues in the House of Commons earlier this year that he was concerned some of the county’s towns and villages were becoming “dormitories for London”.

[Lounge Lizard]

"Proposals were announced earlier this year to move the branch from its current position in the High Street to Station Road at the far end of the village" which must be "the near end" for some of the village's residents.