'My constituents will not brook a deterioration in Post Office Services' Beverley's MP tells Post Office Director

   Yesterday at Westminster, Graham Stuart, MP for Beverley and Holderness, presented 1700 petition signatures objecting to the proposed closure of Beverley’s Crown Post Office to Roger Gale, the Post Office Network and Sales Director who is leading the programme of changes to the Directly Managed branch network.

Graham said “There is solid objection from many of my constituents in Beverley to the plan to close the main Post Office in Register Square and franchise Post Office services to W H Smith on Toll Gavel. On behalf of my constituents I presented over 1700 petition signatures to the Post Office Director in charge of Crown Post Offices.

“The main points my constituents raise with me time after time are about disabled access, and how a small shop like Smiths is going to accommodate the number of people who presently use Register Square. When I pushed the Director on these important issues he said he hopes residents will come along to the information drop-in session on Monday 18 February between 3.30 and 7pm at the Beverley Minster Parish Hall. I particularly highlighted disability access and Mr Gale assured me the Post Office will speak directly to any disability groups who have concerns. I will be happy to be an intermediary in that event.

“Mr Gale listened to my constituents’ concerns and took away with him the strong message that my constituents will not brook a deterioration in Post Office services. I urge anyone who has not yet made their views known to the Post Office’s public consultation to do so by visiting postofficeviews.co.uk and entering the branch code: 011321, or by calling 03452 660115 ”

Mrs Maw, aged 83, of Coltman Avenue, Beverley said “I feel strongly that we should keep the Post Office where it is, at Register Square. I really do not believe that W H Smith is going to offer me as good a service as the one I get now. If Smiths don’t provide enough counters it would mean I would be left waiting for a long time to get served, which would cause me difficulty. I’m also worried about disabled people and how they’re going to manage in Smiths with its narrow aisles. It’s already cramped in there. It’ll take a lot to convince me that Smiths is a suitable alternative. I’m glad Graham spoke up for people like me yesterday when he met with the Post Office. I know he’ll do all he can to get this sorted for us.”