POST OFFICE PROPOSED CLOSURES

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Consultation on changes to Post Office network - Post Office Ltd proposes an additional branch for closure in the Shropshire and Staffordshire area
15/07/2008


Post Office Ltd recently confirmed decisions reached following local public consultation into its Shropshire and Staffordshire area plan. As a result of the feedback received, Post Office Ltd amended its original proposal and decided not to proceed with the closure of the branches at Greenfields and Stapenhill.

In order to ensure that the planned future network can be supported by the available funding from Government and meets the criteria it has set, including the requirement that no part of the UK is advantaged or disadvantaged relative to other areas, Post Office Ltd is now proposing the permanent closure of Pear Tree branch in Rugeley. A six week public consultation on this new proposal begins today (15 July 2008).

In proposing this branch for closure, Post Office Ltd has taken into account that customers would be able to access Post Office® services from nearby branches.

Details of the area plan proposal and a booklet containing full details of the decisions relating to the changes to the network in the Shropshire and Staffordshire area are available on the Post Office Ltd website www.postoffice.co.uk/networkchange or by contacting the address below.

Any changes to the network that are made under the programme are implemented in accordance with a code of practice that has been agreed with consumer body Postwatch.

During local public consultation Post Office customers and their representatives are invited to express their views by writing to Mark Partington, Regional Development Manager C/o National Consultation Team, FREEPOST CONSULTATION TEAM, by emailing : consultation@postoffice.co.uk or by calling the Post Office Ltd Customer Helpline on: 08457 22 33 44.

Ends

Issued by Post Office Ltd:
Birmingham Mail Centre
St Stephens Street
BIRMINGHAM
B6 4AA

Notes to editor

The following two branches that were originally proposed for closure under the Shropshire and Staffordshire area plan will now remain open:

Greenfields, 41 Wood Street, Shrewsbury SY1 2PN
Stapenhill, 18 St Peters Street, Stapenhill Burton-On-Trent DE15 9AW

The public consultation period on the proposal to close Pear Tree, 8-10 Coppice Road, Rugeley WS15 1LN will begin today (Tuesday 15 July). All submissions should be received by Monday 1 September.

To express your views write to Mark Partington, Network Development Manager
C/o National Consultation Team, FREEPOST CONSULTATION TEAM

email : consultation@postoffice.co.uk or call the
Customer Helpline: 08457 22 33 44

A full list of the branches which will serve Shropshire and Staffordshire is available upon request.

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Consultation on changes to Post Office network - Post Office Ltd proposes two additional branches for closure under the Devon area plan
05/08/2008


Post Office Ltd recently confirmed decisions reached following local public consultation into its Devon area plan. As a result of the feedback received, Post Office Ltd amended its original proposal and decided not to proceed with the closure of branches at Chelston and Torre.

In order to ensure that the planned future network can be supported by the available funding from Government and meets the criteria it has set, including the requirement that no part of the UK is advantaged or disadvantaged relative to other areas, Post Office Ltd is now proposing the permanent closure of two branches at Abbotskerswell and Moreleigh, A six week public consultation on these new proposals begins today (5 August 2008).

In proposing these branches for closure, Post Office Ltd has taken into account that customers would be able to access Post Office® services from nearby branches.

Details of the area plan proposal and a booklet containing full details of the decisions relating to the changes to the network in the Devon area are available on the Post Office Ltd website www.postoffice.co.uk/networkchange or by contacting the address below.

Any changes to the network that are made under the programme are implemented in accordance with a code of practice that has been agreed with consumer body Postwatch.

During local public consultation Post Office customers and their representatives are invited to express their views by writing to Tim Nickolls, Network Development Manager C/o National Consultation Team, FREEPOST CONSULTATION TEAM, by emailing : consultation@postoffice.co.uk or by calling the Post Office Ltd Customer Helpline on: 08457 22 33 44.

Ends

Issued by Post Office Ltd:
Birmingham Mail Centre
St Stephens Street
BIRMINGHAM
B6 4AA

Notes to editor

The following two branches that were originally proposed for closure under the Devon area plan will now remain open:

Chelston, 24 Walnut Road, Torquay TQ2 6HS
Torre, 298 Union Street, Torquay TQ2 5QZ

Local public consultation commences on Tuesday 5 August 2008 on the proposed closure of the following two branches. All submissions should be received by 22 September 2008.

Abbotskerswell Branch, The Shower Centre, Abbotskerswell, Newton Abbot, TQ12 5NT

Moreleigh Branch, The Pheasantry, Moreleigh, Totnes, TQ9 7JH



www.postoffice.co.uk

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Consultation on outreach service in Auchenblae
12/08/2008


Post Office Ltd today (12 August ) opened a six-week public consultation on its proposal to replace Auchenblae Post Office®, with an outreach service.

The plan is for a Hosted post office service to operate for a total of nine hours from the store L & A Metelski, Kintore Street, Auchenblae.

The same range of services will continue to be available from the outreach service. Customers can still collect benefits in cash using our everyday banking services or Post Office® card account.

On 30 July, following the public consultation on the Area Plan for North East, Tayside and Fife, Post Office Ltd confirmed its intention to withdraw the proposal for a Partner service at Auchenblae.

The six-week public consultation launched today seeks the views on the proposal for the Hosted service. The decision to replace the existing branch is not being reconsulted.

The proposed details of the Auchenblae Outreach Service are:

Outreach Service Point
L & A Metelski
Kintore Street
Auchenblae
Laurencekirk
AB30 1XP

Opening times
Monday and Thursday 9.00 - 12
Tuesday 14.00 - 17.00

Services:
The standard range of services will continue to be available. Customers can still collect benefits in cash using our everyday banking services or Post Office® card account.

Access and facilities:
There is a step at the entrance. A mobile ramp will be available on request.
There is roadside parking available adjacent to the premises.

Feedback from the local community will be welcomed during the six-week consultation and Post Office Ltd looks forward to receiving comments on the days and hours being suggested.

The public consultation closes on 22 September 2008.

Submissions can be made during the consultation by post to the National Consultation Team, Post Office Ltd, FREEPOST CONSULTATION TEAM (no stamp required) or by email to consultation@postoffice.co.uk

Ends

Issued by
Post Office Ltd:
Tallents House
21 South Gyle Crescent
Edinburgh
EH12 9PB

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Consultation on outreach service in Nacton
22/07/2008


Post Office Ltd today (Tuesday July 22) opened a six-week public consultation on its proposal to replace Nacton Post Office®, Ipswich, with an outreach service.

The plan is for a post office service to operate from a Mobile vehicle next to the Village Shop, The Street, Nacton, from 8.30am to 10.30am on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday. The same range of services will continue to be available and customers can still collect benefits in cash using our everyday banking services or Post Office® card account.

In February, following the public consultation on the Area Plan for East Essex and Suffolk, Post Office Ltd confirmed its intention to replace the branch in Nacton with an outreach facility.

The six-week public consultation launched today seeks the views on the possible options for the outreach service in Nacton. The decision to replace the existing branch is not being reconsulted.

The proposed details of the Nacton Outreach Service are:

Outreach Service Point
Adjacent to the Village Shop
The Street
Nacton
IP10 0HD

Opening times
Mon, Tue, Wed & Fri
08:30 - 10:30

Services
The same range of services will continue to be available. Customers can still collect benefits in cash using our everyday banking services or Post Office® card account.

Access and facilities
There is a step into the Mobile vehicle but access is available for wheelchair users via an electronic tailgate.
Transport
There is roadside parking facilities available nearby.

Feedback from the local community will be welcomed during the six-week consultation and look forward to receiving comments on the days and hours being suggested.

The public consultation closes on 8 September 2008.

Submissions can be made during the consultation by post to the National Consultation Team, Post Office Ltd, FREEPOST CONSULTATION TEAM (no stamp required) or by email to consultation@postoffice.co.uk

Ends

Issued by Post Office Ltd:
148 Old Street
London
EC1V 9HQ

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Consultation on outreach service in Wimbotsham
22/07/2008


Post Office Ltd today (Tuesday July 22) opened a six-week public consultation on its proposal to replace Wimbotsham Post Office®, Kings Lynn, with an outreach service.

The plan is for a post office service to operate from a Mobile vehicle in The Chequers Public House car park, Church Road, Wimbotsham, King’s Lynn, from 8.45am to 10.45am Monday to Friday. The same range of services will continue to be available with the addition of DVLA facilities. Customers can still collect benefits in cash using our everyday banking services or Post Office® card account.

In June, following the public consultation on the Area Plan for Norfolk and West Suffolk, Post Office Ltd confirmed its intention to replace the branch in Wimbotsham with an outreach facility.

The six-week public consultation launched today seeks the views on the possible options for the outreach service in Wimbotsham. The decision to replace the existing branch is not being reconsulted.

The proposed details of the Wimbotsham Outreach Service are:

Outreach Service Point
The Chequers Public House car park
Church Road
Wimbotsham
King’s Lyn
PE34 3QG

Opening times
Monday to Friday
08:45 - 10:45

Services
The same range of services will continue to be available with the addition of DVLA. Customers can still collect benefits in cash using our everyday banking services or Post Office® card account.

Access and facilities
There is a step into the Mobile vehicle but access is available for wheelchair users via an electronic tailgate.
Transport
There is parking facilities available at the public house.

Feedback from the local community will be welcomed during the six-week consultation and look forward to receiving comments on the days and hours being suggested.

The public consultation closes on 8 September 2008.

Submissions can be made during the consultation by post to the National Consultation Team, Post Office Ltd, FREEPOST CONSULTATION TEAM (no stamp required) or by email to consultation@postoffice.co.uk

Ends

Issued by Post Office Ltd:
148 Old Street
London
EC1V 9HQ
www.postoffice.co.uk



www.postoffice.co.uk

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Consultation starts on changes to post office network - Post Office Ltd announces plans for Cornwall
15/07/2008


Post Office Ltd today opened a six week local public consultation on its Area Plan for Cornwall. In line with the criteria and factors set by the Government in its Response document, DTI The Post Office Network, Government response to public consultation May 2007 www.berr.gov.uk/consultations/page36024.html the Area Plan proposes future provision of Post Office® services through a network of 227 branches across the area, resulting in the closure of 49 existing branches.

Under the proposals, over 98% of the area’s population will either see no change to their nearest branch, or will remain within one mile (by road distance) of an alternative branch.

Of the 227 branches which are proposed to remain in Cornwall Post Office Ltd is proposing to establish 13 as outreach services, which would use innovative ways to continue to provide Post Office services- particularly in smaller communities - where the existing branch is proposed for closure.

Possible types of outreach service in Cornwall could include a mobile service visiting small communities at set times, a hosted service operated within third party premises for restricted hours each week, a partner service within the premises of a local partner (such as a pub landlord) or a Home Service were services are ordered in advance for delivery direct to the customer at home.

Post Office Ltd propose the withdrawal of the current Devon and Cornwall Mobile Post Office that operates from Tavistock and serves 19 communities in both counties. As a result of insufficient customer usage, the proposal is to replace 11 of the mobile visits with ‘home’ outreach services and cease eight others. As the facility serves communities in Cornwall and Devon, the changes proposed for the Cornish communities are subject to consultation under this proposal. The final decision on the proposed changes for the Devon communities served by this Mobile service will be taken after consultation on the Cornish element of the proposals has concluded.

The detailed Area Plan proposal for Cornwall is now available. To obtain a copy visit www.postoffice.co.uk/networkchange or write to Post Office Ltd at Freepost Consultation (no stamp required), or email consultation@postoffice.co.uk Post Office Ltd is now seeking views on the proposed future service provision in the area, including in particular views on access to Post Office® services, the accessibility of alternative branches to those proposed for closure and the appropriate form of outreach service to be provided. Consultation is due to end on 1 September 2008.

Direct Enquiries, the Nationwide Access Register and source of information for people with disabilities, the elderly and people with pushchairs, has conducted an independent access assessment of each of the Post Office branches in the Cornwall Area Plan Proposal. These assessments are published on their website (www.directenquiries.com). The website will enable you to search for post offices in this area plan, and if a branch is proposed for closure, the website will enable you to view the nearest alternative branch.

Through Direct Enquiries, you can also take part in the local public consultation about proposed closures in this area by completing a questionnaire at www.directenquiries.com. If you do not have internet access please call Direct Enquiries on 01344 360 101 or textphone 01344 457 200 to be sent a copy of the questionnaire.

The Government has already undertaken a 12 week national consultation before reaching a decision to reduce the UK wide network of Post Office branches by up to 2,500 from its current level of over 14,000, while continuing to provide funding to support a more sustainable network in the future. The proposals now published support the national accessibility criteria introduced by the Government.

The purpose of the local public consultation is to obtain views on Post Office Limited’s proposals to ensure that the branches that are ultimately selected for closure, or closure and replacement with an Outreach Service, are appropriate. From the outset of the Network Change Programme, Post Office Limited has made it clear in its communications that the Programme is not designed to provide a forum for debate on whether branches should close, but is about ensuring that Post Office Limited has the best available knowledge to allow it to make the most informed decisions about which branches should close.

Tim Nickolls, Post Office Ltd’s Network Development Manager for Cornwall, said, "Taking the decision to close any Post Office branch is always very difficult and we know will cause concern to many of our customers. We want to ensure that everyone who uses, relies on or has any concern with Post Office® services is both fully aware of the proposed changes, and able to give views on them.

"Post Office Ltd’s aim is to continue to provide essential services and support retail businesses and the local economy in as many communities as possible, subject to the minimum access criteria set by the Government. Rural parts of the area - where 77% of the population live - would be served by a total of 204 branches, 5 of which provide the only access to cash in their communities. Urban areas would be served by 23 branches including seven Crown Post Offices. A total of 4 branches will specifically serve communities defined as deprived, supporting the Government’s focus on the provision of services in these locations.

"We believe these proposals offer the best prospect for a sustainable way forward for Post Office services in Cornwall, bearing in mind the minimum access criteria and the other factors we have to consider."

Under the Area Plan Proposals, 89.3 of the area’s population will see no change at all to their nearest branch. A further 9.1% live less than one mile, by road distance, from the nearest alternative branch, with 4.4% within half a mile.

Post Office Ltd has reached these proposals after engaging with and taking input from the independent consumer watchdog on postal services, Postwatch, and from all local authorities within the area, and has considered factors relating to geography, the availability of local transport and alternative access to key Post Office® services, local demographics and the impact on local economies. Views on all these factors are welcomed during the consultation process.

Ends

Issued by Post Office Ltd:
Birmingham Mail Centre
St Stephens Street
BIRMINGHAM
B6 4AA

Notes to Editors

Post Office branches in the following parliamentary constituencies are included in the Cornwall plan:
North Cornwall, South East Cornwall, Falmouth and Camborne, St. Ives, Truro and St. Austell

The Government criteria:

Nationally:

• 99% of the UK population to be within 3 miles and 90% of the population to be within 1 mile of their nearest Post Office® branch.

• 99% of the total population in deprived urban areas across the UK to be within 1 mile of their nearest Post Office® branch.

• 95% of the total urban population across the UK to be within 1 mile of their nearest Post Office® branch.

• 95% of the total rural population across the UK to be within 3 miles of their nearest Post Office® branch.


In addition, for each individual postcode district:

• 95% of the population of the postcode district to be within 6 miles of their nearest Post Office® branch.

The following 49 Post Office branches are proposed for closure as part of the Cornwall plan:

Addington, 59 Higher Lux Street, Liskeard PL14 3JY
Albaston, Gunnislake PL18 9AL
Alverton, 5 Lansdown Place, Alverton, Penzance TR18 4QB
Antony, Torpoint, Plymouth PL11 3AB
Ashton , Fore Street, Ashton Helston TR13 9RN
Budock Water, Falmouth TR11 5DR
Cargreen (mobile service), Outside the shop, Cargreen Saltash PL12 6PA
Carharrack, Church Street, Carharrack, Redruth TR16 5RW
Charlestown Square, Sail Boat Yard, Charles Town Harbour, Charles Town, St Austell PL25 3NJ
Close Hill, Redruth TR15 1EP
Coads Green (mobile service) , Village Hall Car Park, Coads Green, Launceston PL15 7LY
Cross Park, St Stephens Road, Saltash PL12 4NH
Devoran, 8 Carclew Terrace, Devoran, Truro TR3 6PN
Flushing, 42 Kersey Road, Flushing, Falmouth TR11 5TR
Golant, Golant Fowey, PL23 1LH
Kenwyn Street, 32-35 Bosvigo Road, Truro TR1 3DD
Killigrew Street, 110 Killigrew Street, Falmouth TR11 3PT
Lelant Fore, Street, Lelant, St Ives TR26 3JP
Luckett, Callington PL17 8NJ
Madron, Fore Street, Penzance TR20 8SW
Malpas , Truro TR1 1SN
Marhamchurch, Bude EX23 0EN
Merrymeet (mobile service), Main Street, Merrymeet, Liskeard PL14 3LP
Mithian, Barkla Shop, St Agnes TR5 0ZY
Morrab Road, Penzance TR18 4HD
Nancledra, Oregon Cottage, Nancledra, Penzance TR20 8NA
Newport, 53 St Thomas Road, Launceston PL15 8DA
Paul, Trungle, Paul, Penzance TR19 6UB
Pentire (Temp Closed), 3 Pentire Avenue, Newquay TR7 1NZ
Pool, 42 Fore Street, Pool, Redruth TR15 3PE
Poughill, Lloyd House, Poughill, Bude EX23 9EL
R.N. Air Station, Culdrose, Helston TR12 7PU
Raleigh, HMS Raleigh Torpoint, PL11 2PD
Seaton , Seaton Park, Seaton , Torpoint PL11 3JD
Silverwell, Blackwater, Truro TR4 8JD
St Cleer, 11 Fore Street, St Cleer, Liskeard PL14 5DA
St Columb Road, St Columb TR9 6EZ
St Mellion (mobile service), Glebe Estate, St Melion , Saltash PL12 6RF
Stenalees, 97 Stannary Road, Stenalees, St Austell PL26 8ST
Stennack, 1 Fern Glen, St Ives TR26 1QP
The Bar, Bar Road, Falmouth TR11 4BW
Trebetherick, Tregawe, Trebetherick, Wadebridge PL27 6SB
Tregrehan Mills, Tregrehan Mills, St Austell PL25 3TH
Trevelmond (mobile service), Village Centre, Trevelmond, Liskeard PL14 4LZ
Trevone, Padstow PL28 8QL
Tywardreath, 21 Church Street, Tywardreath, Par PL24 2QQ
Uplands, 27 Upland Crescent, Truro TR1 1LZ
West Looe Spar, (West Looe), Princes Square, Looe PL13 2EP
Widemouth Bay, Marine Drive, Widemouth Bay, Bude EX23 0AW

The following 13 Post Office Branches are proposed for replacement by an outreach solution:

Altarnun, Village Hall, Altarnum, Launceston PL15 7RL
Boscastle, Dunn Street, Boscastle PL35 0AA
Grimscott, Bude EX23 9LT
Morwenstow, Bude EX23 9SW
Port Isaac, 19 Fore Street, Port Isaac, PL29 3RA
St Clether, Launceston PL15 8QJ
Week St Mary, Holsworthy EX22 6XH
Whitstone, Holsworthy EX22 6TX
Tregadillett, Launceston PL15 7EY
Lerryn Fore Street, Lerryn, Lostwithiel PL22 0PT
Polruan, The Winkle Picker, The Quay, Polruan, Fowey PL23 1PA
St Neot, Liskeard PL14 6NG
Trekenner, Penscombe Cross, Lezant, Launceston PL15 9PT

The existing Devon and Cornwall Mobile Post Office which runs from Tavistock visits the following 19 locations.

St Mellion mobile service, Glebe Estate, St melion, Saltash PL12 6RF
Quethiock mobile service, Bus Shelter, Quethiock, Liskeard PL14 3SQ
St Ive mobile service, St Ive Cross Car Park, St Ive, Liskeard PL14 3LZ
Merrymeet mobile service, Main Street, Merrymeet, Liskeard PL14 3LP
Commonmoor Brake End mobile service, End of Commonmoor Brake,
Commonmoor, Liskeard PL14 6EL
Commonmoor Brake Start mobile service, Start of Commonmoor Brake,
Commonmoor, Liskeard PL14 6EL
Trevelmond mobile service, Village Centre Trevelmond, Liskeard PL14 4LZ
Lawhitton mobile service, Outside the Church, Lawhitton, Launceston PL15 9NQ
Yeolmbridge mobile service, Outside Village Hall, Yeolmbridge, Launceston PL15 8TJ
North Petherwin mobile service, The Crossroads, North Petherwin, Launceston PL15 8LW
Canworthy Water mobile service, Opposite Methodist Curch, Canworthy Water, Launceston PL15 8UW
Warbstow mobile service, Entrance to Knapmeadow Estate, Warbstow, Launceston PL15 8TZ
Egloskerry mobile service, Keri Court, Egloskerry, Launceston PL15 8RS
Coads Green mobile service, Village Hall Car Park, Coads Green, Launceston PL15 7LY
Cargreen mobile service, Outside the shop, Cargreen, Saltash PL12 6PA
Lamerton 1 mobile service, Adjacent Post Box, Lamerton, Tavistock PL19 8RX
Lamerton 2 mobile service, Outside Venn House, Lamerton, Tavistock PL19 8RL
Peter Tavy mobile service, Bus Shelter, Peter Tavy , Tavistock PL19 9NN
Clearbrook mobile service, Outside Village Hall, Clearbrook, Yelverton PL20 6JD
Buckland Monachorum mobile service, Outside Village Hall, Buckland Monachorum, Yelverton PL20 7EQ
Milton Combe mobile service, Outside the Pub, Milton Combe, Yelverton PL20 6HP

A full list of the branches which would serve the area under these proposals is available upon request.

The public consultation period for Cornwall begins 15 July and all representations should be received by 1 September 2008.

To express your views write to Tim Nickolls, Network Development Manager
C/o National Consultation Team, FREEPOST CONSULTATION TEAM

By email to: consultation@postoffice.co.uk, by phone to Customer Helpline: 08457 22 33 44 or
www.directenquiries.com. If you do not have internet access please call Direct Enquiries on 01344 360 101 or textphone 01344 457 200 to be sent a copy of the questionnaire.

[TrueBlueTerrier]

Consultation starts on changes to post office network - Post Office Ltd announces plans for Dorset
15/07/2008


Post Office Ltd today opened a six week local public consultation on its Area Plan for Dorset. In line with the criteria and factors set by the Government in its Response document, DTI The Post Office Network, Government response to public consultation May 2007 www.berr.gov.uk/consultations/page36024.html the Area Plan proposes future provision of Post Office® services through a network of 166 branches across the area, resulting in the closure of 24 existing branches.

Under the proposals, around 99% of the area’s population will either see no change to their nearest branch, or will remain within one mile (by road distance) of an alternative branch.

Of the 166 branches which are proposed to remain in Dorset Post Office Ltd is proposing to establish 4 as outreach services, which would use innovative ways to continue to provide Post Office services- particularly in smaller communities - where the existing branch is proposed for closure.

Possible types of outreach service in Dorset could include a mobile service visiting small communities at set times, a hosted service operated within third party premises for restricted hours each week, or a partner service within the premises of a local partner (such as a pub landlord).

The detailed Area Plan proposal for Dorset is now available. To obtain a copy visit www.postoffice.co.uk/networkchange or write to Post Office Ltd at Freepost Consultation (no stamp required), or email consultation@postoffice.co.uk Post Office Ltd is now seeking views on the proposed future service provision in the area, including in particular views on access to Post Office® services, the accessibility of alternative branches to those proposed for closure and the appropriate form of outreach service to be provided. Consultation is due to end on 1st September 2008.

Direct Enquiries, the Nationwide Access Register and source of information for people with disabilities, the elderly and people with pushchairs, has conducted an independent access assessment of each of the Post Office branches in the Dorset Area Plan Proposal. These assessments are published on their website (www.directenquiries.com). The website will enable you to search for post offices in this area plan, and if a branch is proposed for closure, the website will enable you to view the nearest alternative branch.

Through Direct Enquiries, you can also take part in the local public consultation about proposed closures in this area by completing a questionnaire at www.directenquiries.com. If you do not have internet access please call Direct Enquiries on 01344 360 101 or textphone 01344 457 200 to be sent a copy of the questionnaire.

The Government has already undertaken a 12 week national consultation before reaching a decision to reduce the UK wide network of Post Office branches by up to 2,500 from its current level of over 14,000, while continuing to provide funding to support a more sustainable network in the future. The proposals now published support the national accessibility criteria introduced by the Government.

The purpose of the local public consultation is to obtain views on Post Office Limited’s proposals to ensure that the branches that are ultimately selected for closure, or closure and replacement with an Outreach Service, are appropriate. From the outset of the Network Change Programme, Post Office Limited has made it clear in its communications that the Programme is not designed to provide a forum for debate on whether branches should close, but is about ensuring that Post Office Limited has the best available knowledge to allow it to make the most informed decisions about which branches should close.

Tim Nickolls, Post Office Ltd’s Network Development Manager for Dorset, said, "Taking the decision to close any Post Office branch is always very difficult and we know will cause concern to many of our customers. We want to ensure that everyone who uses, relies on or has any concern with Post Office® services is both fully aware of the proposed changes, and able to give views on them.

"Post Office Ltd’s aim is to continue to provide essential services and support retail businesses and the local economy in as many communities as possible, subject to the minimum access criteria set by the Government. Rural parts of the area - where 41% of the population live - would be served by a total of 103 branches, 54 of which provide the only access to cash in their communities. Urban areas would be served by 63 Post Office branches. A total of 7 branches will specifically serve communities defined as deprived, supporting the Government’s focus on the provision of services in these locations.

"We believe these proposals offer the best prospect for a sustainable way forward for Post Office services in Dorset, bearing in mind the minimum access criteria and the other factors to which we have to have regard."

Under the Area Plan Proposals, 94.1% of the area’s population will see no change at all to their nearest branch. A further 4.8% live less than one mile, by road distance, from the nearest alternative branch, with 1.4% within half a mile.

Post Office Ltd has reached these proposals after engaging with and taking input from the independent consumer watchdog on postal services, Postwatch, and from all local authorities within the area, and has considered factors relating to geography, the availability of local transport and alternative access to key Post Office® services, local demographics and the impact on local economies. Views on all these factors are welcomed during the consultation process.

Ends

Issued by Post Office Ltd:
Birmingham Mail Centre
St Stephens Street
BIRMINGHAM
B6 4AA

Notes to Editors

Post Office branches in the following parliamentary constituencies are included in the Dorset plan:

Bournemouth East, Bournemouth West, Christchurch, Mid Dorset and North Poole, Poole, South Dorset, North Dorset, West Dorset

The Government criteria:

Nationally:

• 99% of the UK population to be within 3 miles and 90% of the population to be within 1 mile of their nearest Post Office® branch.

• 99% of the total population in deprived urban areas across the UK to be within 1 mile of their nearest Post Office® branch.

• 95% of the total urban population across the UK to be within 1 mile of their nearest Post Office® branch.

• 95% of the total rural population across the UK to be within 3 miles of their nearest Post Office® branch.


In addition, for each individual postcode district:

• 95% of the population of the postcode district to be within 6 miles of their nearest Post Office® branch.

The following 24 Post Office branches are proposed for closure as part of the Dorset plan:

Blandford Camp, Welfare Centre, Blandford Camp, Blandford Forum DT11 8BJ
Broadwey, 608 Dorchester Road, Weymouth DT3 5LJ
Buxton Road, 23 Buxton Road, Weymouth DT4 9PG
Charlton Marshall, Parish Rooms, The Close, Charlton Marshall, Blandford Forum DT11 9NF
Fordington, 8 Fordington Green, Dorchester DT1 1LU
Holt, Holt Lane, Holt, Wimborne BH21 7DQ
Kittwhistle, Kittwhistle, Beaminster DT8 3LG
Longham, 130 Ringwood Road, Ferndown, Wimborne BH22 9AW
Lower Charminster Road, Alldays Store, 269- 273 Charminster Road, Bournemouth BH8 9QJ
Milton On Stour, Forge Garage, Milton On Stour, Dorset SP8 5PZ
Monmouth Road, 33 Monmouth Road, Dorchester DT1 2DE
Northbourne, 7 Ashridge Parade, Wimborne Road, Bournemouth BH10 7AN
Owermoigne (Temp Closed), 11A Kit Lane, Owermoigne, Dorchester DT2 8HP
Park Gates, 121 Parkstone Road, Poole BH15 2PB
Penn Hill Avenue, 1 Bank Chambers, Penn Hill Avenue, Poole BH14 9NB
Salisbury Road, Salisbury Road, Blandford Forum DT11 7LP
Sandbanks, 8 Banks Road, Sandbanks, Poole BH13 7QB
Sandford, St Helens Road, Sandford ,Wareham BH20 7AX
Stapehill, 197 Wimborne Road West, Wimborne BH21 2DJ
Stour Road, 108-110 Stour Road, Christchurch BH23 1JP
Todber Hatcher Cottage, Moorside Sturminster Newton DT10 1HJ
West Bay, 11 West Bay, Bridport DT6 4EN
Wimborne Road, 550 Wimborne Road, East Ferndown BH22 9NQ
Worth Matravers, Worth Matravers, Swanage BH19 3LQ

The following 4 Post Office Branches are proposed for replacement by an outreach solution:

Buckhorn Weston, Church Hill, Buckhorn Weston, Gillingham SP8 5HS
Buckland Newton, Buckland Newton, Dorchester DT2 7DA
Chettle, Blandford Forum, DT11 8DB
Kings Stag, Kings Stag Garage, Kings Stag Sturminster Newton DT10 2AZ

A full list of the branches which would serve the area under these proposals is available upon request.

The public consultation period for Dorset begins on 15 July and all representations should be received by 1 September 2008.

To express your views write to Tim Nickolls, Network Development Manager
C/o National Consultation Team, FREEPOST CONSULTATION TEAM

By email to: consultation@postoffice.co.uk, by phone to Customer Helpline: 08457 22 33 44 or
www.directenquiries.com. If you do not have internet access please call Direct Enquiries on 01344 360 101 or textphone 01344 457 200 to be sent a copy of the questionnaire.

[TrueBlueTerrier]

Consultation starts on changes to Post Office network - Post Office Ltd announces plans for Herefordshire, Worcestershire and West Midlands
27/08/2008


Post Office Ltd today opened a six week local public consultation on its Area Plan for Herefordshire Worcestershire and West Midlands. In line with the criteria and factors set by the Government in its Response document, DTI The Post Office Network, Government response to public consultation May 2007 www.berr.gov.uk/consultations/page36024.html the Area Plan proposes future provision of Post Office® services through a network of 320 branches across the area, resulting in the closure of 56 existing branches.

Under the proposals, over 99% of the area’s population will either see no change to their nearest branch, or will remain within one mile (by road distance) of an alternative branch.

Of the 320 branches which are proposed to remain in the Herefordshire, Worcestershire and the West Midlands area. Post Office Ltd is proposing to establish 13 as outreach services, which would use innovative ways to continue to provide Post Office services- particularly in smaller communities - where the existing branch is proposed for closure.

Possible types of outreach service in Herefordshire, Worcestershire and the West Midlands could include a mobile service visiting small communities at set times, a hosted service operated within third party premises for restricted hours each week, or a partner service within the premises of a local partner (such as a pub landlord).

The detailed Area Plan proposal for Herefordshire, Worcestershire and the West Midlands is now available. To obtain a copy visit www.postoffice.co.uk/networkchange or write to Post Office Ltd at Freepost Consultation (no stamp required), or email consultation@postoffice.co.uk Post Office Ltd is now seeking views on the proposed future service provision in the area, including in particular views on access to Post Office® services, the accessibility of alternative branches to those proposed for closure and the appropriate form of outreach service to be provided. Consultation is due to end on 7 October 2008.

The Government has already undertaken a 12 week national consultation before reaching a decision to reduce the UK wide network of Post Office branches by up to 2,500 from its current level of over 14,000, while continuing to provide funding to support a more sustainable network in the future. The proposals now published support the national accessibility criteria introduced by the Government.

The purpose of the local public consultation is to obtain views on Post Office Limited’s proposals to ensure that the branches that are ultimately selected for closure, or closure and replacement with an Outreach Service, are appropriate. From the outset of the Network Change Programme, Post Office Limited has made it clear in its communications that the Programme is not designed to provide a forum for debate on whether branches should close, but is about ensuring that Post Office Limited has the best available knowledge to allow it to make the most informed decisions about which branches should close.

Mark Partington, Post Office Ltd’s Network Development Manager for Herefordshire, Worcestershire and the West Midlands, said, "Taking the decision to close any Post Office branch is always very difficult and we know will cause concern to many of our customers. We want to ensure that everyone who uses, relies on or has any concern with Post Office® services is both fully aware of the proposed changes, and able to give views on them.

"Post Office Ltd’s aim is to continue to provide essential services and support retail businesses and the local economy in as many communities as possible, subject to the minimum access criteria set by the Government. Rural parts of the area - where 26.5% of the population live - would be served by a total of 137 branches, 98 of which provide the only access to cash in their communities. Urban areas would be served by 183 branches including six Crown Post Offices. A total of 62 branches will specifically serve communities defined as deprived, supporting the Government’s focus on the provision of services in these locations.

"We believe these proposals offer the best prospect for a sustainable way forward for Post Office services in Herefordshire, Worcestershire and the West Midlands, bearing in mind the minimum access criteria and the other factors it has asked us to consider."

Under the Area Plan Proposals, 91.7% of the area’s population will see no change at all to their nearest branch. A further 7.9% live less than one mile, by road distance, from the nearest alternative branch, with 2% within half a mile.

Post Office Ltd has reached these proposals after engaging with and taking input from the independent consumer watchdog on postal services, Postwatch, and from all local authorities within the area, and has considered factors relating to geography, the availability of local transport and alternative access to key Post Office® services, local demographics and the impact on local economies. Views on all these factors are welcomed during the consultation process.

Ends

Issued by Post Office Ltd:
Birmingham Mail Centre
St Stephens Street
BIRMINGHAM
B6 4AA

Notes to Editors

Post Office branches in the following parliamentary constituencies are included in the Herefordshire, Worcestershire and the West Midlands plan:

Halesowen and Rowley Regis, Dudley North, Dudley South, Stourbridge, Aldridge-Brownhills, Walsall North, Walsall South, Warley, West Bromwich East, West Bromwich West, Wolverhampton North East, Wolverhampton South East, Wolverhampton South West, Bromsgrove, Redditch, Wyre Forest, Hereford, Leominster, West Worcestershire
Worcester, Mid Worcestershire.

The Government criteria:

Nationally:

• 99% of the UK population to be within 3 miles and 90% of the population to be within 1 mile of their nearest Post Office® branch.

• 99% of the total population in deprived urban areas across the UK to be within 1 mile of their nearest Post Office® branch.

• 95% of the total urban population across the UK to be within 1 mile of their nearest Post Office® branch.

• 95% of the total rural population across the UK to be within 3 miles of their nearest Post Office® branch.


In addition, for each individual postcode district:

• 95% of the population of the postcode district to be within 6 miles of their nearest Post Office® branch.

The following 56 Post Office branches are proposed for closure as part of the Herefordshire, Worcestershire and the West Midlands plan:

Barnett Lane, No.3 Shop, Barnett Lane, Kingswinford, DY6 9PJ
Bengeworth, 3 Northwick Road, Bengeworth, Evesham, WR11 3AN
Bilford Road, 200 Bilford Road, Worcester, WR3 8HL
Bishops Wood, The Post Office, Bishops Wood, Ross-On-Wye, HR9 5QX
Brampton Bryan, Brampton Bryan, Bucknell, SY7 0DH
Brampton Road, (Temporarily closed), 47 Brampton Road, Hereford, HR2 7DF
Brasshouse Lane, 98 Brasshouse Lane, Smethwick, Warley B66 1BA
Brockhampton, Brockhampton, Hereford, HR1 4SD
Brockmoor, 49a Station Road, Brierley Hill, DY5 3HT
Church Lench, Main Street, Church Lench, Evesham, WR11 4UE
Cleeve Prior, Cleeve Prior Memorial Hall, Main St, Cleeve Prior, Evesham, WR11 8LE
Clent, Clent Parish Hall, Church Avenue, Clent, Stourbridge, DY9 9QT
Comberton Hill, 39 Comberton Hill, Kidderminster, DY10 1QN
Delves, 157 Walstead Road, Delves, Walsall, WS5 4LU
Dudley Fields, 2 Sneyd Hall Road, Dudley Fields, Walsall WS3 2NP
Edwin Ralph, Edwin Ralph Post Office, Bromyard, HR7 4LY
Finstall, 25 Alcester Road, Bromsgrove, B60 1EL
Greets Green, 87 Whitehall Road, West Bromwich, B70 0HG
Hanley Castle, Hanley Castle, Worcester, WR8 0BJ
Hasbury, 93 Hagley Road, Hasbury, Halesowen, B63 4QB
High Street, 117 High Street, West Bromwich, B70 6NY
Link Top, 84 Worcester Road, Malvern, WR14 1NY
Llangrove, Prospect Place, Llangrove, Ross-On-Wye, HR9 6ET
Long Lane, 307 Long Lane, Halesowen, B62 9LB
Lyonshall, ‘Tellin’, Lyonshall, Kington, HR5 3LL
Mount Pleasant, 153 Mount Pleasant, Redditch, B97 4JJ
New Street, 70 New Street, West Bromwich, B70 7PT
Newhampton Road West, 209 Newhampton Road West, Wolverhampton, WV6 0RW
Oldswinford, 94-98 Hagley Road, Oldswinford, Stourbridge, DY8 1QU
Pedmore, 282 Hagley Road, Stourbridge, DY9 0RH
Pinvin, 12 Pershore Terrace, Pinvin, Pershore, WR10 2DR
Poolbrook, 120a Poolbrook Road, Malvern, WR14 3JF
Portobello, 616 Willenhall Road, Willenhall, WV13 3RA
Prestwood Road, 301 Prestwood Road, Wolverhampton, WV11 1RQ
Quarry Bank, 41 High Street, Quarry Bank, Brierley Hill DY5 2AA
Redhill, 38 Mayberry Avenue, Hereford, HR2 7QR
Rock Hill, 7 Rock Hill, Bromsgrove, B61 7LL
Rood End, 123 Rood End Road, Oldbury, Warley, B68 8SL
Rounds Green, 87 Brades Road, Oldbury, Warley, B69 2EB
Rushall, 112 Lichfield Road, Walsall, WS4 1EN
Rushall, Rushall, Ledbury, HR8 2PA
Rushwick, Bransford Road, Rushwick, Worcester, WR2 5TA
Silver End, 325 Brettell Lane, Brierley Hill, DY5 3QR
Stafford Street, 68 Stafford Street, Walsall, WS2 8DR
Stanley Road, 16 Stanley Road, Oldbury, Warley, B68 0DY
Stone, Park Lane, Harvington, Kidderminster, DY10 4LW
Sutton-St-Nicholas, Sutton-St-Nicholas, Hereford, HR1 3AU
The Butts, 44 Butts Road, Walsall, WS4 2BW
The Walshes, 22 Queens Road, Stourport-On-Severn, DY13 0BH
Tudorville, Walford Road, Tudorville, Ross-On-Wye, HR9 5PY
Upper Penn, 276-278 Penn Road, Penn, Wolverhampton, WV4 4AD
Victoria Park, 284a High Street, Smethwick, Warley B66 3NU
Villiers Avenue, 1 Villiers Square, Bilston, WV14 6QN
Wickhamford, 43 Pitchers Hill, Wickhamford, Evesham, WR11 7RT
Wolverley, (Temporarily closed), The Newsagents Shop, Wolverley Kidderminster, DY11 5XD
Woodrow, Woodrow Centre, Redditch, B98 7RY

The following 13 Post Office Branches are proposed for replacement by an outreach solution:

Almeley,1 West View, Almeley, Hereford, HR3 6LE
Bishops Frome, Post Office & Stores, Bishops Frome, Worcester, WR6 5AP
Callow End, The Blue Bell, 35 Upton Road, Callow End, Worcester, WR2 4TY
Clifton On Teme, 27 The Village Store, Clifton On Teme, Worcester, WR6 6EN
Cradley, Cradley, Malvern, WR13 5NF
Dorstone, Dorstone Stores, Dorstone, Hereford, HR3 6AN
Elmley Castle, Village Hall, Main Street, Elmley Castle, Pershore, WR10 3HS
Lower Eggleton, Lower Eggleton, Ledbury, HR8 2TZ
Pembridge, Ye Olde Steppes, High Street, Pembridge, Leominster, HR6 9DS
Upper Sapey, Upper Sapey, Worcester, WR6 6XR
Upper Welland, 146 Upper Welland Road, Malvern, WR14 4LA
Whitney on Wye, Whitney Stores, Whitney on Wye, Hereford, HR3 6EH
Wigmore, Wigmore, Leominster,HR6 9UJ

A full list of the 320 branches which would serve the area under these proposals is available upon request.

The public consultation period for Herefordshire, Worcestershire and The West Midlands begins on 27 August and all representations should be received by 7 October 2008.

To express your views write to Mark Partington, Network Development Manager
C/o National Consultation Team, FREEPOST CONSULTATION TEAM

Or email to: consultation@postoffice.co.uk or call Customer Helpline: 08457 22 33 44


www.postoffice.co.uk

[TrueBlueTerrier]

Consultation starts on changes to Post Office Network - Post Office Ltd announces plans for North Wales
29/07/2008


Post Office Ltd today (Tuesday July 29 , 2008) opened a seven week local public consultation on its area plan for North Wales. In line with the criteria and factors set by the Government in its response document, DTI The Post Office Network, Government response to public consultation May 2007 www.berr.gov.uk/consultations/page36024.html the area plan proposes future provision of Post Office® services through a network of 271 branches across the area, resulting in the closure of 52 existing branches and providing a further 14 branches with outreach services.

Under the proposals, over 98.8% of the area’s population will either see no change to their nearest branch, or will remain within one mile (by road distance) of an alternative branch.

Of the 271 branches which would remain in North Wales, Post Office Ltd is proposing to establish 14 as outreach services, which would use innovative ways to continue to provide Post Office services - particularly in smaller communities - where the existing branch is nominated for closure.

Possible types of outreach service in North Wales could include a mobile service visiting small communities at set times, a hosted service operated within third party premises for restricted hours each week, or a partner service within the premises of a local partner (such as a pub landlord).

The detailed Area Plan proposal for North Wales is now available. To obtain a copy visit www.postoffice.co.uk/networkchange or write to Post Office Ltd at Freepost Consultation (no stamp required),or email consultation@postoffice.co.uk Post Office Ltd is now seeking views on the proposed future service provision in the area, including in particular views on access to Post Office® services, the accessibility of alternative branches to those proposed for closure and the appropriate form of outreach service to be provided. Consultation is due to end on 15 September, 2008.

Direct Enquiries, the Nationwide Access Register and source of information for people with disabilities, the elderly and people with pushchairs, has conducted an independent access assessment of each of the Post Office branches in the North Wales Area Plan Proposal. These assessments are published on their website (www.directenquiries.com). The website will enable you to search for post offices in this area plan, and if a branch is proposed for closure, the website will enable you to view the nearest alternative branch.

Through Direct Enquiries, you can also take part in the local public consultation about proposed closures in this area by completing a questionnaire at www.directenquiries.com. If you do not have internet access please call Direct Enquiries on 01344 360 101 or textphone 01344 457 200 to be sent a copy of the questionnaire.

The Government has already undertaken a 12 week national consultation before reaching a decision to reduce the UK wide network of Post Office branches by up to 2,500 from its current level of over 14,000, while continuing to provide funding to support a more sustainable network in the future. The proposals now published support the national accessibility criteria introduced by the Government.

The purpose of this local public consultation is to obtain your views on Post Office Limited’s proposals to ensure that the branches that are ultimately selected for closure, or closure and replaced with an Outreach Service, are appropriate. From the outset of the Network Change Programme, Post Office Limited has made it clear in its communications that the Programme is not designed to provide a forum for debate on whether branches should close, but is about ensuring that Post Office Limited has the best available knowledge to allow it to make the most informed decisions about which branches should close.

Steve Geraty, Post Office Ltd’s Network Development Manager for North Wales, said, "Taking the decision to close any Post Office branch is always very difficult and we know will cause concern to many of our customers. We want to ensure that everyone who uses, relies on or has any concern with Post Office® services is both fully aware of the proposed changes, and able to give views on them.

"Post Office Ltd must reduce the number of branches. The purpose of this public consultation is to ensure that we have the best available local knowledge to allow us to make the most informed decisions about which branches should close or be replaced by an outreach service.

"Post Office Ltd’s aim is to continue to provide essential services and support retail businesses and the local economy in as many communities as possible, subject to the minimum access criteria set by the Government. Rural parts of the area - where 76% of the population live - would be served by a total of 240 branches. Urban areas would be served by 31 branches, including six Crown Post Offices. A total of nine branches will specifically serve communities defined as deprived, supporting the Government’s focus on the provision of services in these locations. We will also be maintaining 66 branches that support the only essential retailer in their community and 132 that provide the only access to cash in a particular community.

"We believe these proposals offer the best prospect for a sustainable way forward for Post Office services in North Wales, bearing in mind the minimum access criteria and the other factors which we have to consider."

Under the Area Plan Proposals, almost 92% of the area’s population will see no change at all to their nearest branch. A further 7.3% live less than one mile, by road distance, from the nearest alternative branch, with 3.7% within half a mile.

Post Office Ltd has reached these proposals after engaging with and taking input from the independent consumer watchdog on postal services, Postwatch, and from all local authorities within the area, and has considered factors relating to geography, the availability of local transport and alternative access to key Post Office® services, local demographics and the impact on local economies. Views on all these factors are welcomed during the consultation process.

For further information contact Royal Mail Group Press Office Wales on 02920 392500 (24 hours)

Notes to Editors

Our standard approach to public consultation is to consult over a six week period. However we have agreed to extend this to seven weeks during the summer period.

Post Office branches in the following seven local authority areas are included in the North Wales Area Plan:
Anglesey, Gwynedd, Conwy, Denbighshire, Flintshire, Wrexham and Powys.

The Government criteria:

Nationally:

• 99% of the UK population to be within 3 miles and 90% of the population to be within 1 mile of their nearest Post Office® branch.

• 99% of the total population in deprived urban areas across the UK to be within 1 mile of their nearest Post Office® branch.

• 95% of the total urban population across the UK to be within 1 mile of their nearest Post Office® branch.

• 95% of the total rural population across the UK to be within 3 miles of their nearest Post Office® branch.


In addition, for each individual postcode district:

• 95% of the population of the postcode district to be within 6 miles of their nearest Post Office® branch.

The following 52 Post Office branches are proposed for closure as part of the North Wales plan:

PROPOSED CLOSURE:
Cymau, Cymau Road, Wrexham, LL11 5EW
Golftyn, 124 Church Street, Deeside, CH5 4AR
Pontybodkin, Reflections Hairdressers, Corwen Road, Pontybodkin, Mold, CH7 4TG
Cwmyglo, Cwmyglo, London House, Caernarfon, LL55 4DT
Bwlchtocyn (Mobile service), Bwlchtocyn, Pwlheli, LL53 7BN
Deiniolen (Temporarily closed), Deiniolen, Caernarfon, LL55 3HR
Llanbedrog, Fford, Bedrog, Llandbedrog, Pwllheli, LL53 7PF
Llangian, Llangian, Pwllheli, LL53 7LP
Llanwnda, The Post Office, Caernarfon, LL54 5SD
Penmorfa, The Village Hall, Penmorfa, Porthmadog, LL49 9RT
West End (Pwllheli) (Temporarily closed), West End, Pwllheli, LL53 5NT
Marchwiel, Wrexham Road, Marchwiel, Wrexham, LL13 0PH
New Broughton, New Road, New Broughton, Wrexham, LL11 6SY
Ponciau, Bank Street, Ponciau, Wrexham, LL14 1EN
Rhos Y Medre, High Street, Rhos y Medre, Wrexham, LL14 3YE
Tanyfron, Llwyn Ifor Stores, St Albans Road, Tanyfron, Wrexham, LL11 5SY
Trevor, Llangollen Road, Trevor, Llangollen, LL20 7TB
Abergele Road, 123 Abergele Road, Colwyn Bay, LL29 7SG
Church Drive, 106 Penrhyn Avenue, Rhos-On-Sea, Colwyn Bay, LL28 4LG
Llandudno Road, 49 Llandudno Road, Colwyn Bay, LL28 4EX
Clocaenog, 5 Maes Caenog, Clocaenog, Ruthin, LL15 2AU
Llanfwrog, Denbigh Road, Llanfwrog, Ruthin, LL15 1PB
Alexandra Road, 48 Alexandra Road, Llandudno, LL30 2DQ
Llandudno Junction, 73 Conway Road, Llandudno Junction, LL31 9LT
Morfa, 25 Penmaen Road, Morfa, Conwy, LL32 8HA
Carneddi, Carneddi, Bethesda, Bangor, LL57 3SG
Gerlan, Gerlan, Bethesda, Bangor, LL57 3TL
Brynford, Brynford Hill, Holywell, CH8 8AD
Carmel, Arfryn, Allt Y Golch, Carmel, Holywell, CH8 8QT
Gronant, Gronant, Prestatyn, LL19 9TG
Gwernymynydd (Temporarily closed), Rainbow Garage, Ruthin Road, Gwernymynydd, Mold, CH7 5LG
Holway, Londis Stores, Holway Road, Holway, Holywell, CH8 7NN
Lixwm, 2 Bronant, Lixwm, Holywell, CH8 8NG
New Brighton, Bryn Y Baal Road, New Brighton, Mold, CH7 6RD
Rhosesmor, Rhosesmor Road, Rhosesmor, Mold, CH7 6PJ
Llanfrothen, The Post Office, Llanfrothen, Penrhyndeudraeth, LL48 6AX
Talybont, Talybont, Talybont, Barmouth, LL43 2AA
Tanygrisiau, Blaenau-Ffestiniog, Blaenau Ffestiniog, LL41 3SG
Aberangell, Aberangell, Machynlleth, SY20 9QG
Brynhedydd (Temporarily closed), 31 Rhyl Coast Road, Rhyl, LL18 3RD
Grange Road, Grange Road, Rhyl, LL18 4DA
Acton Park, 36 Rhosnesni Lane, Acton Park, Wrexham, LL12 7NA
Bradley, Glanllyn Road, Bradley, Wrexham, LL11 4BB
Rhosrobin, Dodds Lane, Rhosrobin, Wrexham, LL11 4RA
Summerhill, Hill Street, Summerhill, Wrexham, LL11 4UA
Caergeiliog, Caergeiliog, Holyhead, LL65 3YF
Church Terrace, Church Terrace, Holyhead, LL65 2HP
Four Mile Bridge, Four Mile Bridge, Holyhead, LL65 2PJ
Llaingoch, Community Centre, South Stack Street, Llaongoch, Holyhead, LL65 1LU
Llanbedrgoch, Ffordd Deg, Llanbedrgoch, LL76 8TQ
Llandegfan, Bron Craig, Old Llandegfan, LL59 5PW
Talwrn, Siop Isa, Talwrn, Llangefni, LL77 7SS

The following 14 Post Office Branches are proposed for replacement by an outreach solution:

PROPOSED OUTREACHES
Branch Name, Address, Town/City, Postcode
Pantglas, Pantglas, Garndolbenmaen, LL51 9DJ
Llithfaen, The Post Office, Pwllheli, LL53 6NN
Efailnewydd, Efailnewydd, Pwllheli, LL53 5TH
Gwyddelwern, Gwyddelwern, Corwen, LL21 9DH
Llandrillo, The Stores, Llandrillo, Corwen, LL21 0ST
Rhydycroesau, Rhydycroesau, Oswestry, SY10 7PS
Betws Yn Rhos, Betws Yn Rhos, Abergele, LL22 8AW
Cerrigydrudion, Cerrigydrudion, Corwen, LL21 9SU
Llansannan, Canol Y Llan, Llansannan, Denbigh, LL16 5HG
Pentrefoelas, Pentrefoelas, Betws-Y-Coed, LL24 0HU
Capel Curig, A5 Services, Capel Curig, Snowdonia, LL24 0EL
Dolwyddelan, Castle Terrace, Dolwyddelan, LL25 0NJ
Llanuwchllyn, The Post Office, Bala, LL23 7TY
Trawsfynydd, 3 Ty Gwyn, Trawsfynydd, Blaenau Ffestiniog, LL41 4RW

*Post Office Ltd announced in April that it would undertake trials of outreach outlets, similar to those already well established in rural communities, in urban communities. This outreach outlet, would provide Post Office services for more flexible hours, and would be adding to the overall future network which is proposed under this area plan and on which Post Office Ltd is consulting locally. Post Office Ltd intends to trial an additional outlet on this basis at the Spar Store, 1 Golftyn Lane, Connah’s Quay, subject to the outcome of consultation, and is therefore including the detail alongside the proposal for the future of the network in North Wales. As this outlet would be provided on a trial basis, Post Office Ltd would be looking at its performance and usage to determine whether it should remain in the longer term.

A full list of the branches which would serve the area under these proposals is available upon request.

The public consultation period for North Wales begins on July 29 and all representations should be received by September 15, 2008.

To express your views write to Steve Geraty, Network Development Manager
C/o National Consultation Team, FREEPOST CONSULTATION TEAM

By email to: consultation@postoffice.co.uk , the Customer Helpline: 08457 22 33 44 or www.directenquiries.com. If you do not have internet access please call Direct Enquiries on 01344 360 101 or textphone 01344 457 200 to be sent a copy of the questionnaire


www.postoffice.co.uk

[TrueBlueTerrier]

Consultation starts on changes to Post Office network in South Yorkshire, Huddersfield, Colne Valley and North Derbyshire
05/08/2008


Post Office Ltd today (Tuesday) opened a seven-week local public consultation on its Area Plan for South Yorkshire, Huddersfield, Colne Valley and North Derbyshire, with the criteria and factors set by the Government in its Response Document (DTI The Post Office Network, Government response to public consultation May 2007 - http://www.berr.gov.uk/consultations/page36024.html).

The Area Plan proposes future provision of Post Office services through a network of 254 branches across the area, while 66 existing branches would close (see full list below). Under the proposals, 99.4% of the area’s population will either see no change to the branch they currently use or will remain within one mile, measured by road distance, of an alternative branch.

The detailed Area Plan proposal is now available from Post Office Ltd at www.postoffice.co.uk/networkchange, by emailing: consultation@postoffice.co.uk or by writing to: Post Office Ltd, Freepost Consultation Team (no stamp required).

The purpose of this local public consultation is to obtain views on Post Office Ltd’s proposals to ensure that the branches that are ultimately selected for closure are appropriate. From the outset of the Network Change Programme, Post Office Ltd has made it clear in its communications that the Programme is not designed to provide a forum for debate on whether branches should close, but is about ensuring that Post Office Ltd has the best available knowledge to allow it to make the most informed decisions about which branches should close.

The Government has already undertaken a 12-week national consultation before reaching a decision to reduce the UK-wide network of Post Office branches by up to 2,500 from its current level of around 14,000, while continuing to provide funding to support a more sustainable network in the future. The proposals now published support the national accessibility criteria introduced by the Government.

Adrian Wales, Post Office Ltd’s Network Development Manager for the North East, said: "Taking the decision to close any Post Office branch is always very difficult and we know it will cause concern to many of our customers. We want to ensure that everyone who uses, relies on, or has any concern with Post Office services is both fully aware of the proposed changes and able to give views on them.

"Post Office Ltd’s aim is to continue to provide essential services and support retail businesses and the local economy in as many communities as possible, subject to the minimum access set by the Government. Rural parts of South Yorkshire, Huddersfield, Colne Valley and North Derbyshire - where 37.8% of the population live - would be served by a total of 101 branches. Urban areas would be served by 153 post offices, including 41 branches which will specifically serve communities defined as deprived, supporting the Government’s focus on the provision of services in these locations.

"We believe these proposals offer the best prospect for a sustainable way forward for Post Office services in this area, bearing in mind the minimum access criteria and the other factors we have to take into account."

Under the Area Plan proposals, 90.3% of the area’s population will see no change at all to their nearest branch. A further 9.1% would have access to Post Office services within one mile by road distance from the nearest alternative branch, with 2.3% being within half a mile.

Post Office Ltd has reached these proposals after engaging with, and taking input from, the independent consumer watchdog for postal services, Postwatch, and from all local authorities within the area, and has considered factors relating to geography, the availability of local transport and alternative access to key Post Office services, local demographics and the impact on local economies. Views on all these factors are welcomed during the consultation process.

Ends

Issued by the Press Office

Notes to Editors

Post Office branches in the following parliamentary constituencies are included in this Area Plan: Barnsley Central, Barnsley East & Mexborough, Barnsley West & Penistone, Chesterfield, Colne Valley, Hemsworth, Huddersfield, North East Derbyshire, Rotherham, Rother Valley, Sheffield Attercliffe, Sheffield Brightside, Sheffield Central, Sheffield Hallam, Sheffield Heeley, Sheffield Hillsborough, and Wentworth.

The Government criteria:

Nationally:

- 99% of the UK population to be within 3 miles and 90% of the population to be within one mile of their nearest Post Office branch.

- 99% of the total population in deprived urban (1) areas across the UK to be within one mile of their nearest Post Office branch.

- 95% of the total urban (2) population across the UK to be within one mile of their nearest Post Office branch.

- 95% of the total rural (3) population across the UK to be within three miles of their nearest Post Office branch.

In addition, for each individual postcode district:

- 95% of the population of the postcode district to be within six miles of their nearest Post Office branch.

(1) Deprived urban - The most disadvantaged urban parts of the UK based on the Indices of Multiple Deprivation (top 15% Super Output Areas in England, 15% of Data Zones in Scotland and 30% of Super Output Areas in Wales and Northern Ireland).

(2) Urban - A community with 10,000 or more inhabitants in a continuous built up area.

(3) Rural - A community not covered by the definition of Urban above.

The following Post Office branches are proposed for closure as part of this Area Plan:

Doncaster Road, 250 Doncaster Road, Barnsley, S70 1XE
Pontefract Road, 190 Pontefract Road, Cudworth, Barnsley, S72 8AE
Royston, Midland Road, Royston, Barnsley, S71 4BP
*Smithies, Bargain Booze, 32 Carlton Road, Smithies, Barnsley, S71 1UF
Whitehill, 285 Dodworth Road, Barnsley, S70 6PF
Barnburgh, High Street, Barnburgh, Doncaster, DN5 7EP
Brierley Road, 107 Brierley Road, Grimethorpe, Barnsley, S72 7AD
Broomhill, 162 Everill Gate Lane, Broomhill, Wombwell, Barnsley, S73 0YQ
Cemetery Road, 11 Cemetery Road, Grimethorpe, Barnsley, S72 7JB
Clayton, Churchfield Road, Clayton, Doncaster, DN5 7BZ
Hemingfield, 22 Cemetery Road, Hemingfield, Barnsley, S73 0PU
Sheffield Road, Sheffield Road Garage, Penistone, Sheffield, S36 6HF
Silkstone Common, The Cottage Bakery, 36 Ben Bank Road, Silkstone Common, Barnsley, S75 4PB
Thurlstone, Townend Stores, 45 Manchester Road, Thurlstone, Sheffield, S36 9QR
West Street, Fearn’s Home and Garden, 140 West Street, Hoyland, Barnsley, S74 9DU
Worsbrough Common, 52 Highstone Road, Worsbrough Common, Barnsley, S70 4ER
Brimington Common, 227 Manor Road, Brimington Common, Chesterfield, S43 1NS
Hady, Lee Road, Hady, Chesterfield, S41 0BT
New Brampton, 195-197 Old Hall Road, Brampton, Chesterfield, S40 1HG
Newbold Road (temporarily closed), 57 Newbold Road, Chesterfield, S41 7PJ
Stonegravels, 183 Sheffield Road, Stonegravels, Chesterfield, S41 7JQ
Birchencliffe (temporarily closed), 207 Halifax Road, Huddersfield, HD3 3RG
Oakes, 10 Acre Street, Huddersfield, HD3 3DU
Quarmby, 145 Quarmby Road, Huddersfield, HD3 4FE
Upper Holme Valley, 146 Woodhead Road, Holmbridge, Holmfirth, HD9 2NL
Wooldale, 50-52 Wooldale Road, Holmfirth, HD9 1QJ
Ackworth, 60 Pontefract Road, Ackworth, Pontefract, WF7 7LL
Badsworth, Thorpe Audlin, Pontefract, WF8 3EW
Common End, 67 Kirkby Road, Pontefract, WF9 4AS
Purston, 195-197 Pontefract Road, Featherstone, Pontefract, WF7 5AA
Birkby, 45 Wheathouse Road, Birkby, Huddersfield, HD2 2UP
Leeds Road, 313 Leeds Road, Huddersfield, HD1 6NZ
Lockwood, Lockwood PO & Convenience Store, 221 - 225 Lockwood Road, Huddersfield, HD1 3TG
Longroyd Bridge, 7 St Thomas Road, Huddersfield, HD1 3LG
Apperknowle, 37 High Street, Apperknowle, Dronfield, Sheffield, S18 4BD
Egstow, 161 Lower Market Street, Clay Cross, Chesterfield, S45 9NB
Heath, Main Street, Heath, Chesterfield, S44 5SN
Hepthorne Lane, 88 Station Road, Hepthorne Lane, Chesterfield, S42 5JE
Hollingwood, 9 Hollingwood Crescent, Hollingwood, Chesterfield, S43 2HZ
Lowgates, 52 Lowgates, Staveley, Chesterfield, S43 3TU
Marsh Lane, 85 Main Road, Marsh Lane, Sheffield, S21 5RH
Ridgeway (temporarily closed), The Cygnet Café, Ridgeway Craft Centre, Main Road, Ridgeway, S12 3XR
Rotherham Road, 7 Rotherham Road, Killamarsh, Sheffield, S21 2DR
Wingerworth, 2 Ridd Way, Wingerworth, Chesterfield, S42 6UX
Salisbury Road, 66a Salisbury Road, Maltby, Rotherham, S66 7EZ
St Anns Road, 45 St Anns Road, Rotherham, S65 1PF
Toll Bar, 500 Wortley Road, Rotherham, S61 1JJ
Crookes Valley Road, 213 Crookes Valley Road, Sheffield, S10 1BA
Shalesmoor, Co-op, Penistone Road Garage, Sheffield, S6 3BN
The Moor (temporarily closed), 108 The Moor, Sheffield Co Op, Sheffield, S1 4PD
Western Road, 365 Springvale Road, Sheffield, S10 1LL
Grimesthorpe, 133 Upwell Street, Sheffield, S4 8AN
Hatfield House Lane, 101 Sicey Avenue, Sheffield, S5 0RH
High Wincobank, 122 Wincobank Avenue, Sheffield, S5 6BB
Southey, 46 Southey Avenue, Sheffield, S5 7NL
Wadsley Bridge, Law Brothers Garage, Leppings Lane, Sheffield, S6 1LR
Deepcar, Videoplus, 232 Manchester Road, Deepcar, Sheffield, S36 2RF
Loxley, 501 Loxley Road, Sheffield, S6 6RQ
Oakbrook Road, 206 Oakbrook Road, Sheffield, S11 7ED
Parkhead, 336 Ecclesall Road South, Sheffield, S11 9PU
Silverhill, 143 Ecclesall Road South, Sheffield, S11 9PJ
Derbyshire Lane, 248 Derbyshire Lane, Sheffield, S8 8SF
Park Grange, 37 Park Grange Drive, Sheffield, S2 3SF
Harley, 13 Harley Road, Harley, Rotherham, S62 7UD
Parkgate, 96 Broad Street, Parkgate, Rotherham, S62 6EN
Whinney Hill, 14 Oldgate Lane, Thrybergh, Rotherham, S65 4JT

*Post Office Ltd announced in April that it would undertake trials of outreach outlets, similar to those already established in rural communities, in urban communities. This outlet at Smithies Post Office would provide Post Office services for more flexible hours and would add to the overall future network which is proposed under this area plan and on which Post Office Ltd is consulting locally.

The trial of this outlet, which is subject to the outcome of consultation, is therefore included within the proposal for the future of the network in South Yorkshire, Huddersfield, Colne Valley and North Derbyshire. If the trial goes ahead, Post Office Ltd would monitor its performance and usage to determine whether it should remain in the longer term.

A full list of the 254 post offices in this area which would remain unaffected under these proposals is available upon request.

The public consultation period for this Plan begins today, 5 August 2008, and all representations should be received by 22 September 2008.

Post Office Ltd must reduce the number of branches and this is being implemented through a programme of change known as the ‘Network Change Programme’. The purpose of the local public consultation for this area is to obtain views to assist Post Office Ltd in selecting the appropriate branches for closure or closure and replacement with an ‘outreach service’.

To express their views, people should write to Adrian Wales, Network Development Manager, c/o National Consultation Team, FREEPOST CONSULTATION TEAM, email: consultation@postoffice.co.uk or call the Customer Helpline: 08457 22 33 44.

Post Office is keen to assist as many customers as possible to access information and take part in the consultation process concerning the Network Change Programme. As part of the local public consultation period, Direct Enquiries, the Nationwide Access Register and source of information for people with disabilities, the elderly and people with pushchairs, has conducted an independent access assessment of each of the Post Office branches in the South Yorkshire with Huddersfield, Colne Valley and North Derbyshire Area Plan Proposal. These assessments are published on their website (www.directenquiries.com).

Through Direct Enquiries, customers can also take part in the local public consultation about proposed closures in the area by completing a questionnaire at www.directenquiries.com. Customers with no internet access should contact Direct Enquiries on 01344 360 101 or textphone 01344 457 200 to be sent a copy of the questionnaire.

Post Office Ltd. Registered in England and Wales no: 2154540. Registered Office: 80-86 Old Street, London, EC1V 9NN.
The Post Office and the Post Office symbol are registered trademarks of Post Office Ltd.

Post Office Ltd is an appointed representative of The Governor and Company of the Bank of Ireland, which is authorised by the Irish Financial Regulator and the Financial Services Authority; regulated by the Financial Services Authority for the conduct of UK business. Bank of Ireland, incorporated in the Republic of Ireland with Ltd liability. Registered in England and Wales with branch number BR000459.

Card Account offered by J.P. Morgan Europe Ltd through Post Office Ltd. J.P. Morgan Europe Ltd is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority. Registered in England and Wales No. 938937. Registered Office: 125 London Wall, London, EC2Y 5AJ.


www.postoffice.co.uk

[TrueBlueTerrier]

Consultation starts on changes to Post Office® network - Post Office Ltd announces plans for Ayrshire, Inverclyde, Lanarkshire and Renfrewshire
22/07/2008


Post Office Ltd today (22 July 2008) opened a six-week local public consultation on its Area Plan for Ayrshire, Inverclyde, Lanarkshire and Renfrewshire.

In line with the criteria and factors set by the UK Government in its response document, DTI, The Post Office Network, Government Response to Public Consultation in May 2007 (www.berr.gov.uk/consultations/page36024.html) - the Area Plan for Ayrshire, Inverclyde, Lanarkshire and Renfrewshire proposes future provision of Post Office® services through a total network of 240 branches across the whole area, resulting in the closure of 44 existing branches.

In addition to the 240 Post Office® branches which are proposed to remain open in the Area Plan, seven branches will be replaced with a form of outreach post office service.

Under the proposals, 99% of the area’s population will either see no change to their nearest branch, or will remain within one mile (by road distance) of an alternative branch.

The Ayrshire, Inverclyde, Lanarkshire and Renfrewshire Area Plan also proposes the introduction of seven outreach post office services in the following rural communities in Ayrshire:
Dailly (Partner)
Dunure (Mobile Post Office)
Kirkmichael (Mobile Post Office)
Minishant (Mobile Post Office)
Ochiltree (Partner)
Rankinston (Mobile Post Office)
Straiton (Mobile Post Office)

These outreach services will give customers continued access to post office services in their local communities on a regular basis without having to travel to another branch.

There are four types of outreach service: a mobile post office service visiting small communities at set times; a hosted service operated within third party premises for restricted hours each week; a partner service within the premises of a local partner (such as a shop) or a home service whereby customers can contact a subpostmaster by phone for services.

Post Office Ltd will be consulting on our proposed outreach services and we are keen to hear views from these communities about suitable days and times for these services.

The detailed Area Plan proposal for Ayrshire, Inverclyde, Lanarkshire and Renfrewshire is now available. A copy can be obtained at www.postoffice.co.uk/networkchange or by writing to Post Office Ltd at Freepost Consultation (no stamp required) or email consultation@postoffice.co.uk.

As part of the six-week consultation, Post Office Ltd is now seeking views on the proposed future service provision in the area including , in particular, views on access to Post Office® services, the accessibility of alternative branches to those proposed for closure and the appropriate form of outreach service to be provided. Consultation is due to end on 1 September 2008.

Sally Buchanan, Post Office Ltd’s Network Development Manager for Scotland, said: "Taking the decision to close any Post Office® Branch is always very difficult and we know will cause concern to many of our customers. We want to ensure that everyone who uses, relies on or has any concern with Post Office® services is both fully aware of the proposed changes, and able to give views on them.

"Post Office Ltd’s aim is to continue to provide essential services and support retail businesses and the local economy in as many communities as possible, subject to the minimum access criteria set by the Government. The rural communities in Ayrshire, Inverclyde, Lanarkshire and Renfrewshire will be served by a total of 240 branches, of which 48 provide the only access to cash in their communities.

"We believe these proposals offer the best prospect for a sustainable way forward for Post Office® services in Ayrshire, Inverclyde, Lanarkshire and Renfrewshire, bearing in mind the minimum access criteria and the other factors to which we have to have regard."

As part of continuing improvements to the consultation process, Direct Enquiries, the Nationwide Access Register and source of information for people with disabilities, the elderly and people with pushchairs, has conducted an independent access assessment of each of the Post Office branches in the Ayrshire, Inverclyde, Lanarkshire and Renfrewshire Area Plan Proposal.

These assessments are published on their website (www.directenquiries.com). The website will enable customers to search for post offices in this area plan, and if a branch is proposed for closure, the website will enable people to view the nearest alternative branch.

Through Direct Enquiries, customers can also take part in the local public consultation about proposed closures in this area by completing a questionnaire at www.directenquiries.com. Those who do not have internet access should contact Direct Enquiries on 01344 360 101 or textphone 01344 457 200 to be sent a copy of the questionnaire.

The UK Government has already undertaken a 12 week national consultation before reaching a decision to reduce the UK wide network of Post Office® branches by up to 2500 from its current level of over 14000 while continuing to provide funding to support a more sustainable network in the future. The proposals now published support the national accessibility criteria introduced by the UK Government.

Under the area plan proposals, 91.5% of the area’s population will see no change in their nearest branch. Of the 8.5% of customers who use a branch that will close, 7.5% would have access to Post Office® services within one mile as measured by road distance (2.4% being within half a mile of their nearest alternative). In total 99% of the population will either see no change, or will be within one mile of an alternative branch.

Post Office Ltd has reached these proposals after engaging with, and taking input from the independent consumer watchdog on postal services, Postwatch, and from all local authorities within the county, and has considered factors relating to geography, the availability of the local transport and alternative access to key Post Office® services, local demographics and the impact on local economies. Views on all these factors are welcomed during the consultation process.

Ends
Issued by Post Office Ltd:
Tallents House
21 South Gyle Crescent
Edinburgh
EH12 9PB

Notes to Editors :

Post Offices in the following 14 parliamentary constituencies are included in the Ayrshire, Inverclyde, Lanarkshire and Renfrewshire Area Plan:
Airdrie and Shotts, Ayr, Carrick and Cumnock, Central Ayrshire, Coatbridge, Chryston and Bellshill, Cumbernauld Kilsyth and Kirkintilloch, East Kilbride Strathaven and Lesmahagow, Inverclyde, Kilmarnock and Louden, Lanark and Hamilton East, Motherwell and Wishaw, North Ayrshire and Arran, Paisley and Renfrewshire North, Paisley and Renfrewshire South, Rutherglen and Hamilton West.

The following 44 Post Office® branches are proposed for closure under the Ayrshire, Inverclyde, Lanarkshire and Renfrewshire Area Plan:

Airdrie and Shotts
Eastfield, 9 Old Eastfield Street, Harthill, ML7 5NX
Whinhall, 21 Whinhall Road, Airdrie, ML6 0HR
Plains, 115 Main Street, Plains, ML6 7JG

Ayr, Carrick and Cumnock
Southend, 197 Dalrymple Street, Girvan, KA26 9BG
Turnberry, Turnberry Post Office, 4 Maidens Road, Turnberry, KA26 9LS
Newtonhead, 80 Main Street, Ayr, KA8 8EF
Forehill, 23 Mount Oliphant Crescent, Ayr, KA7 3EN

Central Ayrshire
Loans, The Post Office, Troon, KA10 7EX
Moorfield Road, 30-32 Moorfield Road, Prestwick, KA9 2HW
Thornhouse Avenue, The Post Office, 37 Thornhouse Avenue, Irvine, KA12 0LU

Coatbridge, Chryston and Bellshill
Blairhill, 154 Bank Street, Coatbridge, ML5 1ET
Sunnyside, 1-4 Russell Colt Street, Coatbridge, ML5 2BN
Cumbernauld Kilsyth and Kirkintilloch
Banton, 96 Main Street, Banton, G65 0QN
Waterside, Burnbrae Road, Kirkintilloch, G66 3NL
Kildrum, Afton Road, Cumbernauld, G67 2DN
Queenzieburn, Meadowside Road, Queenzieburn, Kilsyth, G65 9EH
Rosebank, 39 Lammermoor Road, Kirkintilloch, G66 2AY

East Kilbride Strathaven and Lesmahagow
Bankhead, Lesmahagow, ML11 0AA
Westwood, 27-29 Westwood Square, East Kilbride, G75 8JQ

Inverclyde
Brougham St, 25 Brougham Street, Greenock, PA16 8AB
Glasgow Rd, 1 Mansion Avenue, Port Glasgow, PA14 6QP
Rankin Park, 182 Dunlop Street, Greenock, PA16 9DP
Midton, 58 Tower Drive, Gourock, PA19 1TB

Kilmarnock and Louden
Bonnyton, 25 Munro Avenue, Kilmarnock, KA1 2PJ

Lanark and Hamilton East
Quarter, 21A Limekilburn Road, Hamilton, ML3 7XA
Westport, The Post Office, Lanark, ML11 9HD
Hareleeshill, 40A Hareleeshill Road, Larkhall, ML9 2EX
New Lanark, Mill 3, Visitors Centre, New Lanark, ML11 9DB

Motherwell and Wishaw
Waterloo, 103 Overtown Road, , Wishaw, ML2 8EW
Cambusnethan, 98 Cambusnethan Street, Wishaw, ML2 8NJ
Thorndean, 205 Motherwell Road, Bellshill, ML4 2JG
Mossend, 3 Hope Street, Bellshill, ML4 1QA
West Cross, 339 Main Street, Wishaw, ML2 7NG

North Ayrshire and Arran
Ardeer, 14 Station Road, Ardeer, KA20 3NL
Baird Ave, 15-19 Baird Avenue, Kilwinning, KA13 7AP
Fairlie, 89 Main Road, Fairlie, KA29 0AD
Gladstone Road, The Post Office, 19 Gladstone Road, Saltcoats, KA21 5LD
Glengarnock, 31 Main Road, Glengarnock, Beith, KA14 3AA

Paisley and Renfrewshire North
Arkleston Road (temp closed), 78 Arkleston Road, Paisley, PA1 3TS
Glasgow Airport, Abbotsinch, PA3 2TD
Wright St, The Post Office, 3 Wright Street, Renfrew PA4 8BJ

Paisley and Renfrewshire South
Graham St, 44-46 Macdowall Street, Johnstone, PA5 8QL

Rutherglen and Hamilton West
Coatshill, 56 Coatshill Avenue, Blantyre, G72 9LE
Mill St, 10 Wallace Street, Rutherglen, G73 2SA

The following 7 Post Office® Branches are proposed for replacement by an outreach solution under the Ayrshire, Inverclyde, Lanarkshire and Renfrewshire Area Plan:

Dailly, 64 Main Street, Dailly, KA26 9SD (Partner)
Dunure, Harbour Stores, Dunure, KA7 4LS (Mobile)
Kirkmichael, Jocks Restauraunt, 24 Patna Road, KA19 7PJ (Mobile)
Minishant, 24 Main Street, Minishant, KA19 8EU (Mobile)
Ochiltree, 108 Main Street, Ochiltree, Cumnock, KA18 2PF (Partner)
Rankinston, Rankinston PO, 2a Kerse Terrace, Rankinston, KA6 7HG (Mobile)
Straiton, 42 Main Street, Straiton, KA19 7NF (Mobile)

The UK Government criteria:
Nationally:
99% of the UK population to be within 3 miles and 90% of the population to be within 1 mile of their nearest Post Office® branch.

99% of the total population in deprived urban (deprived urban - the most disadvantaged urban parts of the UK based on the Indices of Multiple Deprivation - top 15% Super Output Area in England, 15% of Data Zones in Scotland and 30% of Super Output Areas in Wales and Northern Ireland) areas across the UK to be within 1 mile of their nearest Post Office® branch.

95% of the total urban (urban - a community with 10,000 or more inhabitants in a continuous built up area) population across the UK to be within 1 mile of their nearest Post Office® branch.

95% of the total rural (rural - a community not covered by the definition of urban above) population across the UK to be within 3 miles of their nearest Post Office® branch.

In addition for each individual postcode district 95% of the population of the postcode district to be within 6 miles of their nearest Post Office® branch.

A full list of the 240 Post Office® branches which would remain open under these proposals is available upon request.

The six-week public consultation period for the Ayrshire, Inverclyde, Lanarkshire and Renfrewshire Area Plan begins on 22 July 2008 and all representations should be received by 1 September 2008.
To express your views write to Sally Buchanan, Network Development Manager
C/O National Consultation Team,
FREEPOST CONSULTATION TEAM
By email to: consultation@postoffice.co.uk By phone to: Customer Helpline: 08457 22 33 44
or
Visit www.directenquiries.com. Customers with no internet access can call Direct Enquiries on 01344 360 101 or textphone 01344 457 200 to be sent a copy of the questionnaire.

[TrueBlueTerrier]

Consultation starts on proposed closure of two Post Office® branches in North East, Tayside and Fife
12/08/2008


Post Office Ltd today (12 August) launched a consultation into the proposed closure of two branches in North East, Tayside and Fife.

The proposal is to close Bieldside, 45 North Deeside Road, Aberdeenshire, AB15 9DB and Lunanhead, East Mains, Caresburn, Forfar, DD8 3NJ as part of the Post Office Ltd’s network proposals in the North East, Tayside and Fife.

Following the six-week public consultation on the area plan (announced on 30 July), three branches originally proposed for closure will now remain open.

The closures proposed today (12 August) aim to ensure that the planned future network can be supported by the available funding from Government and meet the criteria it has set, including the requirement that no part of the UK is advantaged or disadvantaged relative to other areas.

The purpose of this local public consultation is to obtain feedback on Post Office Ltd’s proposal. From the outset of the Network Change Programme, Post Office Limited has made it clear in its communications that the Programme is not designed to provide a forum for debate on whether branches should close, but is about ensuring that Post Office Ltd has the best available knowledge to allow it to make the most informed decisions about which branches should close.

Submissions can be made during the consultation by post to the National Consultation Team, Post Office Ltd, FREEPOST CONSULTATION TEAM (no stamp required) or by email to consultation@postoffice.co.uk by the 22 September 2008.

Ends

Issued by
Post Office Ltd: Tallents House
21 South Gyle Crescent
Edinburgh
EH12 9PB


www.postoffice.co.uk

[TrueBlueTerrier]

Consultation starts on proposed closure of two West Yorkshire Post Offices
29/07/2008


Post Office Ltd announced earlier this month that 61 branches would close in West Yorkshire, with the first closures scheduled to take place from mid-August.

These branches were detailed in the Area Plan proposal for West Yorkshire published on 13 May and which was followed by a six-week public consultation.

Two branches originally proposed for closure - Hardwick Road Post Office on Maple Drive, Pontefract, and Savile Town Post Office on Warren Street, Dewsbury - will now remain open, following a review of the issues raised during consultation, including public transport to, and parking at, alternative branches; routes to those branches for customers on foot; the potential impact on the local communities and the needs of more vulnerable customers.

Because these branches will not now close, Post Office Ltd is proposing the closure of two other branches: Thornhill Edge Post Office, on Edge Lane, Dewsbury, WF12 0HA, and White Cross Post Office, on Bradford Road, Guiseley, Leeds, LS20 8NH.

Post Office Ltd is now seeking views on the proposed closure of these branches, in particular, about access to Post Office services at nearby branches. Consultation is due to end on 15 September.

Adrian Wales, Post Office Ltd’s Network Development Manager for the North East, said: "Taking the decision to close any Post Office branch is always very difficult and we know will cause concern to many of our customers. We want to ensure that everyone who uses, relies on, or has any concern with Post Office services, is both fully aware of the proposed change and able to give views on it.

To express their views, people should write to Adrian Wales, Network Development Manager, c/o National Consultation Team, FREEPOST CONSULTATION TEAM, email: consultation@postoffice.co.uk or call the Customer Helpline on 08457 22 33 44.

Ends

Issued by the Press Office

www.postoffice.co.uk

[TrueBlueTerrier]

Devon post office® branches - Decisions announced
22/07/2008


Post Office Ltd today announced decisions on the future of Post Office® branches across Devon following a six week public consultation which ended on 30 June. Post Office® services will be provided through a network of branches, which supports the national accessibility criteria introduced by the Government and ensures that more than 99% of Devon’s population will either see no change to their existing branch or will remain within one mile (by road distance) of an alternative branch.

The plan confirmed today means that 37 branches will close in Devon with the first closures scheduled to take place in August 2008.

Following a review of the issues raised during consultation, the Post Office branches at Chelston and Torre originally proposed for closure will now remain open.

In order to ensure that the planned future network can be supported by the available funding from Government and meets the criteria it has set, including the requirement that no part of the UK is advantaged or disadvantaged relative to other areas, Post Office Ltd is proposing the closure of two further branches at Abbotskerwell and Moreleigh.. A six week public consultation on these new proposals will begin on 5 August 2008.

The replacement of 32 branches by outreach solutions was also confirmed today.

These decisions have been reached after public consultation and Postwatch, the consumer body representing Post Office® customers, has verified the correct consultation procedures were followed.

The proposals for a further seven branches at Queen Street, Millwey Rise, Offwell, Bridestowe, Shebbear, Lustleigh and Widecombe In The Moor are currently under further review, and decisions will be announced shortly.

Under the Devon area plan Post Office Ltd proposed the withdrawal of the current Devon and Cornwall Mobile Post Office that operates from Tavistock and serves 19 communities in both counties. As a result of insufficient customer usage, the proposal would replace 11 of the mobile visits with ‘home’ outreach services and cease eight others. As the facility serves communities in Devon and Cornwall, the changes proposed for the Cornish communities are subject to consultation in the Area Plan Proposal, which began on 15th July. The final decision on the proposed changes for both the Devon and Cornwall communities served by this Mobile service will be taken after consultation on the Cornish element of the proposals has concluded.

Full details of the decisions and the issues raised during local public consultation are available by visiting www.postoffice.co.uk/networkchange or by writing to Post Office Ltd at Freepost Consultation Team (no stamp needed) or by emailing consultation@postoffice.co.uk

During the six week local public consultation, Post Office Ltd received around 7,500 responses and attended meetings with customers and their representatives to understand their concerns. All information provided by customers formed part of the final decision regarding each affected branch.

Tim Nickolls, Post Office Ltd’s Network Development Manager for Devon, said: "These are difficult decisions which have not been taken lightly. We have considered very carefully all the comments made during the public consultation. We believe that the amended plan announced today offers our customers across Devon the best prospect for a sustainable network in the future, bearing in mind the Government’s minimum access criteria and the other factors it has asked us to consider."

Ends

Issued by Post Office Ltd:
Birmingham Mail Centre
St Stephens Street
BIRMINGHAM
B6 4AA

Note to editors

Post Office branches in the following parliamentary constituencies are included in the Devon area plan:

East Devon, Exeter, North Devon, Teignbridge, Torridge and West Devon
Plymouth, Devonport, Plymouth, Sutton, South West Devon, Tiverton and Honiton,
Torbay, Totnes.

The Government criteria:

Nationally:

• 99% of the UK population to be within 3 miles and 90% of the population to be within 1 mile of their nearest Post Office® branch.


• 99% of the total population in deprived urban areas across the UK to be within 1 mile of their nearest Post Office® branch.

• 95% of the total urban population across the UK to be within 1 mile of their nearest Post Office® branch.

• 95% of the total rural population across the UK to be within 3 miles of their nearest Post Office® branch.


In addition, for each individual postcode district:

• 95% of the population of the postcode district to be within 6 miles of their nearest Post Office® branch.

The following two branches will now remain open

Chelston, 24 Walnut Road, Torquay TQ2 6HS
Torre, 298 Union Street, Torquay TQ2 5QZ

The following three branches proposed for closure are under further review and decisions will be announced shortly.
Queen St, 37-39 Queen Street, Exeter EX4 3SR
Millwey Rise, 22-23 First Avenue, Axminster EX13 5EX
Offwell ,The Village Shop & PO, The Recreation Ground, Offwell, Honiton EX14 9SB

The following four branches proposed for replacement by Outreach service are under further review and decisions will be announced shortly.
Bridestowe, Okehampton EX20 4EG
Shebbear, Southview, Shebbear, Beaworthy EX21 5RU
Lustleigh, Newton Abbot TQ13 9TA
Widecombe In The Moor, Newton Abbot TQ13 7TB

The following 37 Post Office® branches will now close as part of the Devon plan:

Avonwick, The Shop, Avonwick, South Brent TQ10 9LZ
Barbrook, Lynton EX35 6PD
Beaumont Road, 124 Beaumont Road, Plymouth PL4 9EB
Bishops Tawton, East Street, Bishops Tawton, Barnstaple EX32 0DQ
Clyst St George, The Village Hall, Clyst St George, Exeter EX3 0RE
Collaton St Mary, 369 Totnes Road, Paignton TQ4 7DE
East Of The Water, Barnstaple Street., Bideford EX39 4AE
Ermington, The Square, Ermington, Ivybridge PL21 9LP
Exeter Road, Crediton EX17 3BH
Ford Street, 14 Ford Street, Tavistock PL19 8DZ
Foxhayes, 123 Exwick Road, Exwick Exeter EX4 2BH
Goodleigh, Barnstaple EX32 7LU
Greenway Lane, 30 Greenway Lane, Budleigh Salterton EX9 6SG
Hennock, The Post Office, Newton Abbot TQ13 9PZ
High Street, 101 High Street, Totnes TQ9 5PF
Holcombe, Hollandia, Holcombe Road, Dawlish EX7 0LH
Kellaton, Kingsbridge TQ7 2ES
Lynmouth (Temporarily closed), Lynmouth Street, Lynton EX35 6EH
Pennycomequick, 9 Stuart Road, Plymouth PL3 4EB
Pinhoe Road, 171 Pinhoe Road, Exeter EX4 7HZ
Plympton, St Maurice Brook Stores, 19 St Maurice Road, Plympton St Maurice, Plymouth PL7 1NR
Portland Street, Portland Street, Ilfracombe EX34 9NN
Sampford Courtenay, Okehampton EX20 2SY
Seaside, Combe Martin, Ilfracombe EX34 0DQ
St Andrews Road, 42 St Andrews Road, Exmouth EX8 1AR
St Levan Valley, 43 Ryder Road, Plymouth PL2 1JA
Stoke In Teignhead, (Temporarily closed), Newton Abbot TQ12 4QA
Stone Barton (Temporarily closed), 1B Seymour Road, Plympton, Plymouth PL7 4NX
Sutcombe, 4 Square Park, Holsworthy EX22 7PS
The Harbour, 41 Roundham Road, Paignton TQ4 6DS
Tipton St John, Sidmouth EX10 0AA
Townstal, 21 Church Road, Dartmouth TQ6 9HQ
Tweenaway (Temporarily closed), 238 Totnes Road, Paignton TQ4 7HB
Underwood, 46 Market Road, Plymouth PL7 1QW
Union Road (Temporarily closed), 38 Victoria Street, Exeter EX4 6JQ
West Charleton, West Charleton, Kingsbridge TQ7 2AJ
West Hoe, 24 Walker Terrace, West Hoe, Plymouth PL1 3BN

The following 32 Post Office Branches will be replaced by an outreach solution:

Post Office Limited is currently engaged in dialogue with key stakeholders over the proposals for funding a number of partner outreach services in the area. The conclusion of these discussions will allow Post Office Limited to finalise the detailed plans for a large number of the following outreach proposals.

Ashreigney, 1 Green Hedges, Ashreigney, Chulmleigh EX18 7LT
Ashwater, Beaworthy EX21 5EG
Bishops Nympton., South Molton EX36 4PQ
Blackawton, Vicarage Road, Blackawton, Totnes TQ9 7AY
Bow (Temporarily closed), Spar Shop, Preston House, Bow, Crediton EX17 6EZ
Bratton Fleming, Barnstaple EX31 4TJ
Bridgerule, Holsworthy EX22 7ER
Buckland Brewer, Bideford EX39 5LW
Burrington, London House, Burrington, Umberleigh EX37 9JG
Cheriton Fitzpaine, Crediton EX17 4JA
Chillaton, Lifton PL16 0HR
Chittlehamholt, Umberleigh EX37 9NT
Clovelly, 23 High Street, Clovelly, Bideford EX39 5TB
Copplestone, Crediton EX17 5NJ
Dittisham, Riverside Road, Dittisham, Dartmouth TQ6 0HS
Halberton, 24 High Street, Halberton, Tiverton EX16 7AA
Kennerleigh, The Post Office, Crediton EX17 4RS
Langtree, Fore Street, Langtree, Torrington EX38 8NG
Lewdown, The Stores, Lewdown, Okehampton EX20 4DQ
Meeth, Okehampton EX20 3EP
Milton Abbot, Fore Street, Milton Abbot, Tavistock PL19 0PA
Newton St Cyres, 6 The Village, Newton St Cyres, Exeter EX5 5BU
Northlew, Post Office Stores, Northlew, Okehampton EX20 3PB
Oakford, Tiverton EX16 9EW
Plymtree, Cullompton EX15 2JU
Postbridge, The Post Office, Yelverton PL20 6TH
Rackenford, Post Office & Village Shop, Rackenford, Tiverton EX16 8DT
Rattery, South Brent TQ10 9LD
St Giles On The Heath, Gridley Corner, St Giles on the Heath, Launceston PL15 9SA
West Buckland, Barnstaple EX32 0SF
West Down, Ilfracombe EX34 8NF
Yeoford, Station Road, Yeoford, Crediton EX17 5HU

The six-week public consultation period on the proposal to close Abbotskerwell, The Shower Centre, The Square, Abbotskerswell, Newton Abbot TQ12 5NT and Moreleigh, The Pheasantry, Moreleigh, Totnes TQ9 7JQ will begin on Tuesday 5 August. All submissions should be received by Monday 22 September.

To express your views write to Tim Nickolls, Network Development Manager
C/o National Consultation Team, FREEPOST CONSULTATION TEAM

Or email: consultation@postoffice.co.uk or call the
Customer Helpline: 08457 22 33 44

The Devon and Cornwall Mobile Post Office which runs from Tavistock visits the following 19 locations. A decision will be made and communicated when consultation on the Cornwall area plan has concluded.

St Mellion mobile service, Glebe Estate, St melion, Saltash PL12 6RF
Quethiock mobile service, Bus Shelter, Quethiock, Liskeard PL14 3SQ
St Ive mobile service, St Ive Cross Car Park, St Ive, Liskeard PL14 3LZ
Merrymeet mobile service, Main Street, Merrymeet, Liskeard PL14 3LP
Commonmoor Brake End mobile service, End of Commonmoor Brake,
Commonmoor, Liskeard PL14 6EL
Commonmoor Brake Start mobile service, Start of Commonmoor Brake,
Commonmoor, Liskeard PL14 6EL
Trevelmond mobile service, Village Centre Trevelmond, Liskeard PL14 4LZ
Lawhitton mobile service, Outside the Church, Lawhitton, Launceston PL15 9NQ
Yeolmbridge mobile service, Outside Village Hall, Yeolmbridge, Launceston PL15 8TJ
North Petherwin mobile service, The Crossroads, North Petherwin, Launceston PL15 8LW
Canworthy Water mobile service, Opposite Methodist Curch, Canworthy Water, Launceston PL15 8UW
Warbstow mobile service, Entrance to Knapmeadow Estate, Warbstow, Launceston PL15 8TZ
Egloskerry mobile service, Keri Court, Egloskerry, Launceston PL15 8RS
Coads Green mobile service, Village Hall Car Park, Coads Green, Launceston PL15 7LY
Cargreen mobile service, Outside the shop, Cargreen, Saltash PL12 6PA
Lamerton 1 mobile service, Adjacent Post Box, Lamerton, Tavistock PL19 8RX
Lamerton 2 mobile service, Outside Venn House, Lamerton, Tavistock PL19 8RL
Peter Tavy mobile service, Bus Shelter, Peter Tavy , Tavistock PL19 9NN
Clearbrook mobile service, Outside Village Hall, Clearbrook, Yelverton PL20 6JD
Buckland Monachorum mobile service, Outside Village Hall, Buckland Monachorum, Yelverton PL20 7EQ
Milton Combe mobile service, Outside the Pub, Milton Combe, Yelverton PL20 6HP

A full list of the branches which will serve Devon is available upon request.

[TrueBlueTerrier]

East midlands Post Office® outreach service confirmed
27/08/2008


Post Office Ltd today confirmed that Post Office® South Witham branch at 14 High Street, South Witham, Grantham, NG33 5QB will close and be replaced by a Mobile Outreach Service that will operate from two sites in the village. The service will be available at the lay-by on High Street, opposite number 20b High Street, South Witham, Grantham, NG33 5QB on Tues from 8.30am to 10.30am, Wed 1..15pm to 4.15pm and Fri 10.45am to 1.00pm. The service will also visit the lay-by outside the Savemore Supermarket at Great Close, South Witham, Grantham, NG33 5QH on Tues from 10.45am to 1.00pm and Fri between 8.30am and 10.30am. The replacement service means that customers will still be able to access Post Office services locally.

During a further period of local public consultation which ended on 4 August, Post Office Ltd sought feedback on the specific Outreach service that would replace South Witham branch to ensure that it was appropriate.

The decision to close the branch and replace it with an Outreach solution was reached after public consultation and Postwatch, the consumer body representing Post Office® customers, has verified the correct consultation procedures were followed.

Full details of all the decisions and issues raised during local public consultation in the East Midlands are available by visiting www.postoffice.co.uk/networkchange or by writing to Post Office Ltd at Freepost Consultation Team (no stamp needed) or by emailing consultation@postoffice.co.uk

Mark Partington, Post Office Ltd’s Network Development Manager for the East Midlands, said: "The decision to close any Post Office branch is difficult and not one that is taken lightly. In the case of South Witham branch we are offering a replacement service that ensures that our customers are still able to access Post Office services locally. We believe that the amended plan announced in December lat year and the replacement service confirmed today will offer our customers across the East Midlands the best prospect for a sustainable network in the future, bearing in mind the Government’s minimum access criteria and the other factors it asked us to consider."

Ends

Issued by Post Office Ltd:
Birmingham Mail Centre
St Stephens Street
BIRMINGHAM
B6 4AA

Note to editors

Post Office® branches in the following parliamentary constituencies are included in the East Midlands plan:

Bolsover, Derby North, Derby South, South Derbyshire, West Derbyshire, Amber Valley, Erewash, Mansfield, Newark, Nottingham East, Nottingham North, Nottingham South, Rushcliffe, Sherwood, Ashfield, Broxstowe, Gedling, Grantham & Stamford, Sleaford & North Hykeham.


The Government criteria:

Nationally:

• 99% of the UK population to be within 3 miles and 90% of the population to be within 1 mile of their nearest Post Office® branch.

• 99% of the total population in deprived urban areas across the UK to be within 1 mile of their nearest Post Office® branch.

• 95% of the total urban population across the UK to be within 1 mile of their nearest Post Office® branch.

• 95% of the total rural population across the UK to be within 3 miles of their nearest Post Office® branch.

In addition, for each individual postcode district:

• 95% of the population of the postcode district to be within 6 miles of their nearest Post Office® branch.


A full list of the branches which will remain open in the East Midlands under the area plan is available upon request.