MP Graham Stuart says he is standing firmly with local councillors, workers unions and constituents who oppose the relocation of Beverley’s Crown Post Office.
Under proposals put forward by the Post Office, services will be moved from the current location of Register Square to the WH Smith store on Toll Gavel.
Post Office bosses insist the move will help preserve postal services in the town. They also say the move will offer extended opening times and enhanced services.
The MP now plans to hand over a petition to bosses at the Post Office calling for them to rethink their plans.
In a statement released Mr Stuart said;
“I agree with Councillor Elaine Aird when she said the plan is ‘ludicrous’, and I’ll be doing everything I can to see off the idea. I’ve been inundated with petition signatures from people who think the town needs its Crown Post Office. Also, I have had as many hand-written letters expressing incredulity and opposition to the proposal.”
“I’ve called in the Post Office bosses to meet with me in Westminster so I can highlight to them in person the level of opposition in the town to the proposal to close the Crown Post Office and franchise it to WH Smith. I’ll be handing them the thick pile of opposition letters and petitions I’ve gathered to put pressure on them to abandon their plan.”
MP Agrees With Local Conservative Councillor When It Comes To The Post Office
Councillor Elaine Aird said;
“Beverley’s Crown Post Office in Register Square is often full to bursting, with queues of people waiting to be served. If the Post Office is franchised out to WH Smith then I foresee service standards dropping.”
“That would be unacceptable. I’m fully behind Graham’s campaign to get the Post Office to think again. Graham, as ever, is fighting his constituents’ corner with everything he’s got.”
Unions Welcome Support Of Local MP Over Post Office Relocation
Communication Workers Union representative, Andy Parrish commented;
“We really appreciate Graham’s involvement in this campaign. The Beverley Post Office not only provides employment for local people but it also plays an important role in our community in supporting day-to-day life. It is great to have his help.”
Regardless of the efforts by the MP, the government have made it clear they will not get involved. Under Secretary Kelly Tolhurst reiterated their stand on allowing the Post Office to run their business how they see fit. This was a view echoed by Prime Minister Theresa May recently in PMQs.
The Post Office says the relocation of 74 Post Offices across the UK is key. They say it needs to be done if they are to sustain the service in the coming years.
While local councillors and MP have nailed their colours to mask, benefits Beverley as a town would gain through the relocation are being ignored.
Despite the signatures gathered the Post Office are highly unlikely to back down. They have maintained that the decision made is a commercial one and part of a long term business strategy.
Currently, a consultation is open for members of the public to share their views. However, the Post Office is not seeking views on the relocation or franchising of the service.
