MP demands answers over Post Office closure

14/01/2013

Arundel & South Downs MP Nick Herbert has written to the Chief Executive of Post Office Limited to seek answers on the closure of the post office in Pulborough.

Residents in Pulborough were left without a post office during the busy Christmas period.  They have been told that it is only a temporary closure, but the timing was inconvenient, along with lack of information.  The village has many elderly residents, some without transport, and no option of bus routes to another village with facilities.

A number of residents have written to their MP to tell him of the disruption the closure has caused.

Mr Herbert first raised concerns to the Post Office headquarters in May last year when he learned that the old site was to be closed and relocated within the local Londis convenience store.  This also meant the downgrading of the service with fewer facilities on offer. 

In his letter to the Post Office's Chief Executive, Mr Herbert says: "The decision to move the operation to 83 Lower Street, only for it to be closed less than six months later, was apparently ill-judged and has confirmed [the communities'] fears about the service and their feeling that their views were not taken into account."

Mr Herbert continues in his letter: "In light of the disruption the decision to move the Post Office and its subsequent closure has caused, it is particularly important that the residents' concerns are given proper consideration now." 

Following further exchanges with the Post Office, Nick Herbert commented: "As well as writing formally to the Chief Executive I have been in touch with the Post Office team dealing with this.   I hope and expect that they will set up an interim service as soon as possible as well as identifying a permanent new site."

Ends

Notes for the Editors

 A copy of the letter from Nick Herbert MP to Paula Vennells, CEO at Post Office Limited can be read here.