Mail boss to decide on fate of York post office

12:04pm Sunday 13th April 2008

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THOUSANDS of people have campaigned to save it. Now the fate of a vital post office in the heart of York rests with just one man - Royal Mail's top boss.

Chairman Allan Leighton is to personally decide whether the Micklegate office will stay or go, after Post Office Ltd and Postwatch failed to reach an agreement.

It is the first time anywhere in the UK that a single branch closure has been taken to such a high level.

Today, The Press urges Mr Leighton to listen to the calls from local residents, businesses, politicians and our readers - and save Micklegate post office.

York MP Hugh Bayley said closing the branch would be a "breach of faith" for residents who were told when other branches closed that Micklegate would remain open.

He said: "If Allan Leighton simply rubber-stamps the closure, he will not only make a bad decision for York, but will reinforce the public perception that Post Office Ltd is railroading through closures, irrespective of what representations are made against them."

Local councillor Sandy Fraser said he was disappointed the matter had not yet been resolved, but said: "We want to see a proper review conducted by the chairman."

A PostWatch spokesperson said: "We do not believe that Post Office Ltd has demonstrated that the proposed closure will minimise disruption and inconvenience to customers and have particular concerns over the ability of other branches in York to cope with the increase in business they will see if Micklegate closes.

"Micklegate enjoys a high level of business and is convenient for customers as they can park outside."

She said there was no precedent for the review that would now take place, but said: "We live in hope."

A Royal Mail spokeswoman said: "The proposal relating to Micklegate post office is still subject to further review and a final decision will be announced as soon as possible."

During the previous wave of closures, the offices in Albemarle Road and Bishopthorpe Road were closed, with residents in those areas told to use Micklegate instead.

Mr Bayley said to close it now would break the trust residents had placed in Post Office Ltd.

Council may take over doomed branches

POST offices that seemed doomed could be brought back from the brink, under an ambitious take-over by council bosses.

City of York Council has agreed to open discussions with Post Office Ltd, on the possibility of taking over branches in York or reaching a deal to sustain at least some key services.

The move follows a similar one in Essex, and could see the branches at Clifton Green, Haxby Road, and Fulford saved.

Haxby Road and Fulford both closed late last month, and the branch at Clifton Green is due to follow on May 7.

Presenting a motion to the council, Conservative leader Ian Gillies said the Government had failed to grasp the importance of the post office to residents.

He called on officers to prepare a report on the viability of a council take-over, but warned: "We need to make sure there is full community support that will not fade over time."

Liberal Democrat councillor Keith Aspden said his group was wary of the costs of taking over post offices, but said: "We do feel that all ideas and options should be looked at to support the post office network."

He said the closure of the Fulford branch in his own ward was "hugely disappointing" for the community.

Labour councillor Ken King accused the Conservatives of "hypocritical smoke and mirrors" and said: "It is not hot air in this chamber or the House of Commons that will keep post offices open."

Have your say

How would you persuade Allan Leighton that Micklegate post office should stay open?