'Make your objections heard in the Beverley Post Office consultation'
Wed 9th January 2019
Beverley and Holderness MP Graham Stuart has today been informed by Post Office officials that the consultation on the proposals to move the well-used Beverley Post Office to the branch of WHSmith on Toll Gavel will open for submissions on Wednesday 9th January 2019 and close on Wednesday 20th February 2019.
Since the proposals were announced in October Graham has been working with East Riding Councillors such as Cllr Elaine Aird, Cllr Kerri Harold and Cllr David Elvidge to raise the profile of the issue and build a campaign against the move.
Graham Stuart MP commented: “I am pleased that this consultation has finally been opened to the public. I want to encourage all those affected by the closure of our vital Crown Post Office to submit their views on the proposed move before it closes on the 20th February.
“It is however disappointing that the Post Office have stated that the decision to close the Beverley site is not something they are consulting on as they say it is a ‘commercial decision’. But if we, as a united community, all play our part in showing the Post Office that these plans are not workable then we may be able to change enough minds and convince the Post Office that postal facilities are best left in the current premises.
“Whilst the Post Office have tried to provide assurances, such as a new entrance to WHSmith, installation of modern equipment and that there will be no reduction in services, I know we as a community are still not persuaded this is the right decision. My concerns about the proposal are that I am not convinced that the move will not lead to longer queuing and service times, inferior customer service and advice, poor disabled access, and a reduced number of counter positions.
“I will shortly be presenting the roughly 600 petition names and letters of objection I have gathered to Post Office representatives to show the strength of feeling against the proposals.
“The Post Office have also stated that there will be a public forum meeting to discuss local peoples’ concerns in person and I will make sure to publicise this date when the details are confirmed; please do try to attend and make your views heard.
“To submit your views please go to the following website postofficeviews.co.uk and in the search box in the top right hand corner enter the unique branch code: 011321 or you can follow this link: https://www.postofficeviews.co.uk/national-consultation-team/beverley-hu17-9xx-011321/.
“You can also email your objections to comments@postoffice.co.uk or call 03452 660115.
“I will continue to put pressure on the Post Office and other parties to try and reverse this decision and prevent the planned relocation of our vital local service”.
