Mixed Messages from Post Office Meeting

Following his meeting with a representative of the Post Office to discuss the future of Winchester Crown Post Office, Mark Oaten MP stated:

“The meeting had both good and bad news. The bad news is the Post Offices determination to shut its existing site and move to Smiths on May the 22^nd without any debate or consultation over this decision.

“The good news is they are prepared to listen to local views on how the new Smiths Post Office should operate.

“I’m encouraged that the Post Office will be located on the ground floor of Smiths and their proposing to have fully trained staff and a system to keep queues down and counters open. They have also agreed to allow community leaders to walk around the proposed site and discuss its layout.

“It looks like this is going to happen and the best we can do is make sure it works for residents in Winchester.

Also attending the meeting Martin Tod, candidate for Winchester, added:

“The move into Smiths does sound like a done deal and I’m still concerned about traffic but reassured over other things I was worried about.

“There is some good news. Its on the ground floor, has a dedicated area and dedicated trained staff. The important thing now is that the Post Office and Smiths listen to local people and take their ideas and inputs seriously particularly at the meeting on the 6^th of March.

“Some Post Offices elsewhere have ended up on the first floor or in the basement and its good that’s not happening here.