Shock as Pontesbury Post Office outreach services ceased with 'virtually no warning'
Villagers have been left shocked by the sudden withdrawl of its post office outreach services, saying there was “virtually no warning.”
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The postmaster from the Pontesbury branch will no longer operate the services at Minsterley, Hope and Shawbury from this week “due to unforeseen circumstances”.
However, a letter informing residents of the news was only sent on Friday (February 14). Area change manager, Carol Williams, said that partner services at Acton Burnell and Worthen will continue to operate as normal, and for anyone to contact her with any questions they may have.
She added that “it would be helpful” if any local representatives shared the information through social media channels and with any local groups or organsations “to help our customers and your constituents understand what is happening to the Post Office in the local community.
“We apologise for the inconvenience the closure may cause,” said Ms Williams.
“We hope that our customers will continue to use Post Office services and details of alternative Post Office branches in the area.
“If you are a local representative, we will write to you again once we have any news about our plans for future service provision.”
Councillor Heather Kidd (Chirbury and Worthen) said the news in Hope “came as a bolt of the blue.”
“They only sent a notice to the parish clerk on Friday that the service will cease as of this Monday,” she said.
”No warning was sent to Hope Village Hall, where the event is held, and I only found out secondhand. Minsterley, the village just down the road, has had its outreach service withdrawn too.
“To add insult to injury they have now launched a consultation on the service after it has been closed. It also doesn’t appear that the Post Office has made any attempt to find an alternative provider.
“This is a most valued service. It is run at the same time as the weekly coffee morning which brings the whole community together. Now they will have to travel miles to get basic post office services.
“This has come as a shock to the whole community. I have spoken to Pontesbury Post Office (who didn’t know either) and will contact the management of the Post Office on Monday.
“I really urge everyone affected to fill in the consultation and make clear to the Post Office how valued and necessary this post office is.”
The consultation will end on March 14. Full details can be found here.
