POST OFFICE PROPOSED CLOSURES

[TrueBlueTerrier]

Consultation starts on proposed closure of Goswell Road Post Office® branch
08/07/2008


Post Office Ltd today (8 July) launched a consultation into the planned closure of one branch in London.

The proposal is to close Goswell Road Post Office, 131 Goswell Road, London, EC1V 7ET as part of the Post Office Ltd’s network proposals in the area.

Following the six-week public consultation on the area plan (announced on 19 Feb), eight branches originally proposed for closure are now to remain open following a review of the issues raised during consultation.

The proposed closure announced today aims 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 your views on Post Office Limited’s proposal to ensure that the branch that is ultimately selected for closure is 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.

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 end date of 26 August 2008.


Ends

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

Notes to Editors

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 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).
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.

[TrueBlueTerrier]

Consultation starts on proposed closure of New Costessey Post Office® branch
08/07/2008


Post Office Ltd today (8 July) launched a consultation into the planned closure of one branch in Norfolk.

The proposal is to close New Costessey Post Office, 91 Norwich Road, New Costessey, Norwich, NR5 0AA as part of the Post Office Ltd’s network proposals in the area.

Following the six-week public consultation on the area plan (announced on 26 March), three branches originally proposed for closure are now to remain open.

The proposed closure announced today aims 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 your views on Post Office Limited’s proposal to ensure that the branch that is ultimately selected for closure is 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.

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 end date of 26 August 2008.


Ends

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

Notes to Editors

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 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).
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.

[TrueBlueTerrier]

Consultation starts on changes to Post Office network in Tyne and Wear, Northumberland and Durham
01/07/2008


Post Office Ltd today (Tuesday) opened a six-week local public consultation on its Area Plan for Tyne and Wear, Northumberland and Durham, 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 364 branches across the area, including 24 outreach services, while 57 existing branches would close (see full list below). One of the outreaches, at Rochester, is being introduced because at present the access criteria is not being met - there is no Post Office provision.

Another outreach service will be provided at Hetton Road Post Office in Houghton-le-Spring on a trial basis. Its performance and usage will be monitored to determine if it should be retained in the longer term. This follows an announcement in April that Post Office Ltd would trial outreach outlets in urban areas similar to those already provided in rural areas.

Under the proposals, 99.5% of the area’s population will either see no change, or will remain within one mile 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 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.

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 Tyne and Wear, Northumberland and Durham - where 37% of the population live - would be served by a total of 192 branches. Urban areas would be served by 172 post offices, including 81 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, 93.2% of the area’s population will see no change at all to their nearest branch. A further 6.3% would have access to Post Office services within one mile by road distance from the nearest alternative branch, with 1.8% 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.

Notes to Editors

Post Office branches in the following parliamentary constituencies are included in this Area Plan: Blyth Valley, Berwick-upon-Tweed, Blaydon, City of Durham, Easington, Gateshead East and Washington West, Hexham, Houghton and Washington East, Jarrow, Newcastle upon Tyne Central, Newcastle upon Tyne East and Wallsend, Newcastle upon Tyne North, North Durham, North Tyneside, North West Durham, South Shields, Sunderland North, Sunderland South, Tyne Bridge, Tynemouth, and Wansbeck.

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 replacement by an outreach service:

Ancroft, The Post Office, Ancroft, Berwick-upon-Tweed, TD15 2TE
Bamburgh, The Victoria Hotel, Front Street, Bamburgh, NE69 7BP
Doddington, Doddington, Wooler, NE71 6AL
Longhorsley, 1 South Road, Longhorsley, Morpeth, NE65 8UW
Lowick, Lowick Lodge, 26 Main Street, Lowick, Berwick-on-Tweed, TD15 2UA
Milfield, Main Road, Milfield, Wooler, NE71 6JD
Netherton, Wayside, Netherton, Morpeth, NE65 7HD
Norham,The Post Office, Norham, Berwick-upon-Tweed,TD15 2LQ
North Charlton, Brownieside, Chathill, NE67 5HW
Scots Gap, Village Shop, Scots Gap, Morpeth, NE61 4EG
Bardon Mill, Millfield Terrace, Bardon Mill, Hexham, NE47 7HX
Belsay, 12 The Arcade, Belsay, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE20 0DY
Blanchland, The Square, Blanchland, Consett, DH8 9SR
Colwell, Colwell Cottage, Colwell, Hexham, NE46 4TL
Fourstones, Fourstones Service Station, Fourstones, Hexham, NE47 5DQ
Gilsland, Burn Brae, Brampton, CA8 7BE
Humshaugh, Humshaugh, Hexham, NE46 4AG
Langley on Tyne, Moss House, Langley on Tyne, Hexham, NE47 5NN
Newton, Newton, Stocksfield, Prudhoe, NE43 7UL
Slaley, Slaley, Hexam, Hexham, NE47 0AA
Stannington,The Old Post Office, Church Road, Stannington, Morpeth, NE61 6HQ
Whalton (Temporarily Closed), Whalton, Morpeth, NE61 3XA
Rookhope, 2 Front Street, Rookhope, Bishop Auckland, DL13 2AY
An additional outreach service will be introduced at Rochester near Otterburn in NE19 where at present there is no Post Office service.




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

Longframlington (Temporarily Closed), Longframlington News, Rothbury Road, Longframlington, Alnwick, NE65 8AE
North Broomhill (Temporarily Closed), 6 Turnbull Buildings, North Broomhill, Morpeth, NE65 9UR
North Sunderland, 165 Main Street, North Sunderland, Seahouses, NE68 7TU
Scremerston, 29 Armstrong Court, Scremerston, Berwick-upon-Tweed, TD15 2RR
Blackhall Mill, 14 River View, Blackhall Mill, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE17 7TL
Crookhill, 16 Crookhill Terrace, Ryton, NE40 3ER
Winlaton Mill, 5a Noel Avenue, Winlaton Mill, Blaydon-on-Tyne, NE21 6SH
Bates Cottages, Holywell, Whitley Bay, NE25 0LW
Nelson Village, 81-87 Arcot Avenue, Nelson Village, Cramlington, NE23 1EY
Brancepeth, Brancepeth Castle, Brancepeth, Durham, DH7 8DE
Gilesgate, 94a Gilesgate, Durham, DH1 1JA
Easington Colliery, Lower Seaside Lane, Peterlee, SR8 3PF
Salters Lane, Salters Lane, Shotton Colliery, Durham, DH6 2PT
Yoden Road (Temporarily Closed), Yoden Road, Peterlee, SR8 5DY
Allerdene, 7 Trafford Road, Allerdene, Gateshead, NE9 6NF
Sheriff Hill, 102 Sheriffs Highway, Gateshead, NE9 5SD
Horsley, The Crown And Anchor, Horsley, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE15 0NS
Otterburn (Temporarily Closed), Chevy Chase, Otterburn, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE19 1NP
Ovingham, Village Store, Main Street, Ovingham, Prudhoe, NE42 6AA
Sinderhope, Burnfoot, Sinderhope, Hexham, NE47 9SB
West Wylam Colliery, West Wylam, Prudhoe, NE42 5HT
Whitfield (Temporarily Closed), Bearsbridge, Whitfield, Hexham, NE47 8HA
Hetton Road, 27 Hetton Road, Houghton-le-Spring, DH5 8JP
The Drive, 108 The Drive, Washington, NE37 2LG
Station Road, 4 Station Terrace, East Boldon, NE36 0LD
Victoria Road West, 4 Hartleyburn Avenue, Hebburn, NE31 2NJ
Clayton Road, 9 Clayton Road, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE2 4RP
Howard Street, 261-262 St Annes Close, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 2QX
Kenton Road, 163 Kenton Road, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE3 4NQ
Union Society, Union Society Building, University of Newcastle upon Tyne, Kings Walk, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 8QB
Walkerville, 1054 Shields Road, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE6 4SR
Brunswick Village, 12 Grey Street, Brunswick Village, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE13 7DT
Garden Village, 69-71 Hollywood Avenue, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE3 5BS
Walbottle, 2 Bankhead Road, Walbottle, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE15 8JJ
West Denton, 128 The Roman Way, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE5 5AD
Grange Villa, 2 Front Street, Chester Le Street, DH2 3LL
South Pelaw, Emanuel House, South Pelaw, Chester-le-Street, DH2 2JE
Tantobie, 1 Front Street, Tantobie, Stanley, DH9 9TA
Castleside (Temporarily Closed), 1-3 Church Street, Castleside, Consett, DH8 9QW
Esh, Village Stores, Front Street, Esh, Durham, DH7 9QR
Helmington Row, Helmington Row Service Station, Helmington Row, Crook, DL15 0RW
Low Willington, 78 Low Willington, Willington, Crook, Co Durham, DL15 0BB
Medomsley, 15-17 Manor Road, Medomsley, Consett, DH8 6QN
Stanley, 13 Co-operative Terrace, Stanley, Crook, Co Durham, DL15 9SE
Sunnybrow, 1 Hunwick Lane, Sunnybrow, Crook, Co Durham, DL15 0LT
Harton Village, 179a Sunderland Road, South Shields, NE34 6AD
Westoe Road, 59 Westoe Road, South Shields, NE33 4LU
Mere Knolls Road, 31 Mere Knolls Road, Sunderland, SR6 9LG
Millfield, 188 Hylton Road, Millfield, Sunderland, SR4 7YA
Seaburn (Temporarily Closed), 6 Queens Parade, Seaburn, Sunderland, SR6 8DA
Sunderland Road, 328 Sunderland Road, Gateshead, NE8 3QP
Monkseaton, 17 Front Street, Monkseaton, Whitley Bay, NE25 8AQ
Wilton Drive,71 Wilton Drive, Whitley Bay, NE25 9NX
College Place, 2 College Place, Ashington, NE63 9PD
Mitford (Temporarily Closed), Community Centre, Fontside, Mitford, Morpeth, NE61 3PS
Scotland Gate, 3 Frances Ville, Scotland Gate, Choppington, NE62 5ST
St Marys Field, 34 Church Walk, High Church, Morpeth, NE61 2LG

A full list of the 364 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, 1 July 2008, and all representations should be received by 11 August 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 Limited 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.

Issued by the Press Office, 0161 869 7224

[TrueBlueTerrier]

Post Office Ltd announces further change to the network in South & West Wales
19/08/2008


Post Office Ltd today (Tuesday, 19 August) opened a six-week local public consultation on its proposal to close Lone Road branch, 68 Lone Road, Clydach, Swansea SA6 5HU as part of their network change programme.

Post Office Ltd has recently concluded a six week local public consultation for the closure of a number of branches in the Area Plan for the South & West Wales. As a result of feedback received during the local public consultation Post Office Ltd has amended its proposal by deciding not to proceed with two of the proposed closures in the original Area Plan and is now proposing that the Lone Road branch below should be closed.

In proposing that the Lone Road branch should close, Post Office Ltd has taken into account that customers would be able to access Post Office® services from nearby branches at High Street, Clydach and Craig Cefn Park in Rhyddwen Road. In addition to accessing Post Office® services from nearby branches, customers may also access Post Office® services by telephone or via the internet.

Full details of the original Area Plan Proposal and a booklet containing full details of our decisions relating to the changes to the Network in the South & West Wales area are available on our website www.postoffice.co.uk/networkchange or by contacting us using a dedicated Freepost address, by email or by phone.

Any changes to the Network that are made under the Programme will be implemented in accordance with a Code of Practice that has been agreed with Postwatch. The closing date of the local public consultation for Lone Road branch is Monday 29 September 2008 and all comments must be received by that date if they are to be considered.

We will communicate our decision about the future of Lone Road branch after the end of the local public consultation period, once all representations have been reviewed. We would be expect this decision by mid/late October 2008.

If the decision is taken to permanently close the branch it is expected that this would take place late November 2008, at the earliest.

END

Issued by: Press Office, Royal Mail Group

NOTES TO EDITORS:

To express views on the proposal customers and stakeholders should write to:
Steve Geraty, Network Development Manager
c/o National Consultation Team, FREEPOST CONSULTATION TEAM

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

Full details of the additional consultations are available on our website: www.postoffice.co.uk/networkchange

Details of nearby branches:
Clydach branch, 43 High Street, Clydach Swansea SA6 5LH

Opening times:
Mon - Fri: 09:00 - 17:30
Sat : 09:00 - 12:30
Services
The same range of services will continue to be available, with the addition of DVLA, On Demand Euro/Dollar Bureau De Change facilities and On Line Lottery. Customers can still collect benefits in cash using our everyday banking services or Post Office® card account.
Access and facilities
The branch has a step at the entrance to the branch.
Transport
There are parking facilities available outside the branch. Further parking is available nearby

The nearest bus stop is 50 yards away. The bus arrives every 30 minutes and the journey is 12 minutes.
Route
This branch is located 0.5 miles away from Lone Road branch, along hilly terrain with pavements and street lighting along the route.

Craig Cefn Parc branch, 6 Rhyddwen Road, Craig Cefn Parc, SA6 5RA
Opening times
Mon - Fri: 09:00 - 13:00 & 14:00 - 17:30
Sat: 09:00 - 12:30
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
The branch has access via a ramp
Transport
There is roadside parking available outside the branch and in the surrounding roads.

Route
This branch is located 1.1 miles away from Lone Road branch. The terrain between the branches is varied with part of the route including country roads with no pavement.

Other branches in the area:


Additional Branches:
Glais, branch, 612 Birchgrove Road, Glais, Swansea SA7 9EN
Trebanos branch, 127 Swansea Road, Trebanos, Pontardawe SA8 4BS
Birchgrove branch, 349 Birchgrove Road, Birchgrove, Swansea SA7 9NN

[TrueBlueTerrier]

Consultation starts on changes to Post Office® network - Post Office Ltd announces proposals for Edinburgh, The Lothians and South of Scotland
19/08/2008


Post Office Ltd today (19 August 2008) opened a six-week local public consultation on its Area Plan for Edinburgh, The Lothians and South of Scotland.

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 Edinburgh, The Lothians and South of Scotland proposes future provision of Post Office® services through a total network of 294 branches across the whole area, resulting in the closure of 26 existing branches (full list below).

Of the 294 Post Office® branches which are proposed to remain open in the Area Plan, 32 branches (full list below) will be replaced with a form of Post Office outreach service. 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.

Under the proposals, 99.6% of the population in Edinburgh, The Lothians and South of Scotland will either see no change to their nearest branch, or will remain within one mile (by road distance) of an alternative branch.

In two postcode districts in the Borders, Post Office Ltd will be actively seeking to create additional service points because at present the access criteria is not being met. In TD3, we propose introducing a Hosted outreach service for two hours a week at Longformacus and in TD7, we propose introducing a Mobile outreach service for two hours a week at Ettrickbridge.

In addition, at Rosetta Road in Peebles, where we propose closure of the branch, Post Office Ltd will implement an outreach service on a trial basis. Its performance and usage will be monitored to determine if it should be retained in the longer term. This follows an announcement in April that Post Office Ltd would look at trialing further ways of providing sustainable services in the future.

The detailed Area Plan proposal for Edinburgh, The Lothians and South of Scotland 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 29 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 UK Government. The rural communities in Edinburgh, The Lothians and South of Scotland will be served by a total of 193 branches, of which 108 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 Edinburgh, The Lothians and South of Scotland, 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 Edinburgh, The Lothians and South of Scotland 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, 92.9% of the area’s population will see no change in their nearest branch. Of the 7.1% of customers who use a branch that will close, 6.7% would have access to Post Office® services within one mile as measured by road distance (3.5% being within half a mile of their nearest alternative). In total 99.6% 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 area, 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 12 parliamentary constituencies are included in the Edinburgh, The Lothians and South of Scotland Area Plan:
Berwickshire, Roxburgh and Selkirk , Dumfries and Galloway, Dumfriesshire, Clydesdale and Tweeddale, East Lothian, Edinburgh East, Edinburgh North and Leith, Edinburgh South, Edinburgh South West, Edinburgh West, Linlithgow and East Falkirk, Livingston, Midlothian.

The following 26 Post Office® branches are proposed for closure under the Edinburgh, The Lothians and South of Scotland Area Plan:

Breich, Rashiehill Terrace, Breich, West Calder
Broomhall, 41 Broomhall Drive, Edinburgh
Calder Crossway, 10 Calder Park, Edinburgh
Carrington , 4 Primrose Gardens, Carrington, Gorebridge
Cramond, 20 Whitehouse Road, Edinburgh
Dalmeny, Main Street, Dalmeny, South Queensferry
Easthouses, 1 Mayfield Road, Easthouses, Dalkeith
Elm Row, 20 Elm Row, Edinburgh
Elphinstone, 3 Main Street, Elphinstone, Tranent
Goldenacre, 20 Montague Terrace, Edinburgh
Gorgie, 556 Gorgie Road, Edinburgh
Grangepans, 14 Grangepans, Bo’ness
Lasswade, 12 High Street, Lasswade
Lincluden, 40 Lincluden Road, Dumfries
Longstone, 7 Kingsknowe Road North, Edinburgh
Magdalene Drive, 46 Magdalene Drive, Edinburgh
Newton, Main Street, Newton, Broxburn
Nicolson Street, 79 Nicolson Street, Edinburgh
Pilrig Toll, 10 Newhaven Road, Edinburgh
Polbeth, 12-13 Limefield Road, Polbeth, West Calder
Poltonhall, 12 Hopefield Park, Bonnyrigg
Rosetta Road, 1 Weymss Place, Peebles
Shandon Place, 57 Slateford Road, Edinburgh
Scheuchan Street, 59 Scheuchan Street, Stranraer
Warrender Park, 73 Warrender Park Road, Edinburgh
West Barns, 2a Edinburgh Road, West Barns, Dunbar

The following 32 Post Office® Branches are proposed for replacement by an outreach solution under the Edinburgh, The Lothians and South of Scotland Area Plan:

Ancrum - Hosted
Bonchester Bridge - Hosted
Bowden - Mobile
Eccles - Mobile
Greenlaw - Mobile
Hutton - Mobile
Morebattle - Hosted
Clovenfords - Mobile
Fountainhall - Mobile
Oxton - Mobile
Heriot - Mobile
Balmaclellan - Mobile
Colvend - Mobile
Corsock - Mobile
Creetown - Partner
Dunscore - Hosted
Kirkcowan - Partner
Lochfoot - Mobile
Moniaive - Partner
Mossdale - Mobile
New Abbey - Mobile
Bentpath - Home
Boreland - Hosted
Collin - Hosted
Ecclefechan - Partner
Eskdalemuir - Hosted
Glencaple - Hosted
Drem - Hosted
Garvald - Hosted
Gifford - Partner
Innerwick - Hosted
Stenton - Hosted


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 294 Post Office® branches which would remain open under these proposals is available upon request.

The six-week public consultation period for the Edinburgh, The Lothians and South of Scotland Area Plan begins on 19 August and all representations should be received by 29 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.


www.postoffice.co.uk

[TrueBlueTerrier]

Post Office Ltd announces further change to the network in Newport & Gwent valley

http://www.news.royalmailgroup.com/news ... ce_network

Post Office Ltd today (Wednesday, 07 May) opened a six-week local public consultation on its proposal to close Pentwynmawr branch, 19 High Street, Newbridge NP11 4HG as part of their network change programme.

Post Office Ltd has recently concluded a six week local public consultation for the closure of 25 branches in the Area Plan for the Newport & Gwent Valleys area. As a result of feedback received during the local public consultation Post Office Ltd has amended its proposal by deciding not to proceed with two of the proposed closures in the original Area Plan and is now proposing that the Pentwynmawr branch below should be closed:

In proposing that the Pentwynmawr branch should close, Post Office Ltd has taken into account that customers would be able to access Post Office® services from nearby branches at Newbridge and Pontllanfraith, both of which are approximately a mile away. In addition to accessing Post Office® services from nearby branches, customers may also access Post Office® services by telephone or via the internet.

Any changes to the Network that are made under the Programme will be implemented in accordance with a Code of Practice that has been agreed with Postwatch.

Full details of the Area Plan Proposal and a booklet containing full details of our decisions relating to the changes to the Network in the Newport and Gwent Valleys area are available on our website www.postoffice.co.uk/networkchange or by contacting us using a dedicated Freepost address, by email or by phone.

Any changes to the Network that are made under the Programme will be implemented in accordance with a Code of Practice that has been agreed with Postwatch. The closing date of the local public consultation for Pentwynmawr is Tuesday 17 June 2008 and all comments must be received by that date if they are to be considered.

We will communicate our decision about the future of Pentwynmawr branch after the end of the local public consultation period, once all representations have been reviewed. We would be expect this decision in early July 2008.

If the decision is taken to permanently close the Pentwynmawr branch it is expected that this would take place in August 2008, at the earliest.

[TrueBlueTerrier]

Consultation on additional plans for South Essex, South Hertfordshire and Buckinghamshire

02/09/2008


Post Office Ltd today (2 September) launched a six-week consultation into the planned closure of two branches in South Essex, South Hertfordshire and Buckinghamshire.

The proposal is to close Weston Turville Post Office, 21 Middlefield, Weston Turville, Aylesbury, Bucks, HP22 5RH and Moatfield Post Office, 33 Harcourt Road, Bushey, Watford, Hertfordshire, WD23 3PP as part of future of Post Office Ltd’s network in the area.

Following the six-week public consultation on the area plan announced on (19 August) four branches originally proposed for closure are now to remain open following a review of the issues raised during consultation.

The two proposed closures announced today 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 your views on Post Office Limited’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 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.

Submissions can be made during the consultation by post to the National Consultation Team, Post Office Ltd, FREEPOST CONSULTATION TEAM (no stamp required) or be email to consultation@postoffice.co.uk by the end date of 14 October 2008.


Ends

www.postoffice.co.uk

Notes to Editors

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 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).
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.

www.postoffice.co.uk

[TrueBlueTerrier]

http://www.news.royalmailgroup.com/news ... ce_network

Shropshire And Staffordshire Area Plan - Public consultation commences on new proposal on for Lydbury North.
16/09/2008


Post Office Ltd today (16 September) launched a six-week consultation on the proposed outreach service for the village of Lydbury North.

Post Office Ltd proposes a hosted outreach service operating locally for approximately 4 hours per week to provide Post Office services in the community.

The proposal follows the decision by Post Office Ltd to close the existing Lydbury North branch and introduce outreach services under its Shropshire and Staffordshire area plan, which was concluded earlier this year. The public consultation into the new proposal begins today (September 16) and ends on 27 October 2008.

The standard range of products and services would continue to be available through the proposed hosted post office service. Customers could still collect benefits in cash using our banking services or Post Office® card account.

Mark Partington, Network Development Manager for the Shropshire and Staffordshire said: "We welcome feedback from the local community during the six week consultation and look forward to receiving comments on the type of outreach service proposed and the hours being suggested."

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

Ends

Issued by Post Office Ltd
Birmingham Mail Centre
St Stephen’s Street
BIRMINGHAM
B6 4AA

In May 2007, following a national public consultation, the UK Government announced a range of proposed measures to modernise and reshape the network of Post Office® branches and put it on a more stable footing for the future.

Post Office Ltd has now commenced a Network Change Programme to implement the measures prescribed by the Government. Under the plan, 2500 branches across the UK will close and 500 outreach models will be introduced.

Each Area Plan proposal supports the achievement of the national accessibility criteria set by the UK Government.

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.

[TrueBlueTerrier]

Consultation Starts On Changes To Post Office® Network - Post Office Ltd announces proposals for Edinburgh, The Lothians and South of Scotland
23/09/2008


Post Office Ltd today (19 August 2008) opened a six-week local public consultation on its Area Plan for Edinburgh, The Lothians and South of Scotland.

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 Edinburgh, The Lothians and South of Scotland proposes future provision of Post Office® services through a total network of 294 branches across the whole area, resulting in the closure of 26 existing branches (full list below).

Of the 294 Post Office® branches which are proposed to remain open in the Area Plan, 32 branches (full list below) will be replaced with a form of Post Office outreach service. 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.

Under the proposals, 99.6% of the population in Edinburgh, The Lothians and South of Scotland will either see no change to their nearest branch, or will remain within one mile (by road distance) of an alternative branch.

In two postcode districts in the Borders, Post Office Ltd will be actively seeking to create additional service points because at present the access criteria is not being met. In TD3, we propose introducing a Hosted outreach service for two hours a week at Longformacus and in TD7, we propose introducing a Mobile outreach service for two hours a week at Ettrickbridge.

In addition, at Rosetta Road in Peebles, where we propose closure of the branch, Post Office Ltd will implement an outreach service on a trial basis. Its performance and usage will be monitored to determine if it should be retained in the longer term. This follows an announcement in April that Post Office Ltd would look at trialing further ways of providing sustainable services in the future.

The detailed Area Plan proposal for Edinburgh, The Lothians and South of Scotland 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 29 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 UK Government. The rural communities in Edinburgh, The Lothians and South of Scotland will be served by a total of 193 branches, of which 108 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 Edinburgh, The Lothians and South of Scotland, 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 Edinburgh, The Lothians and South of Scotland 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, 92.9% of the area’s population will see no change in their nearest branch. Of the 7.1% of customers who use a branch that will close, 6.7% would have access to Post Office® services within one mile as measured by road distance (3.5% being within half a mile of their nearest alternative). In total 99.6% 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 area, 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 12 parliamentary constituencies are included in the Edinburgh, The Lothians and South of Scotland Area Plan:
Berwickshire, Roxburgh and Selkirk , Dumfries and Galloway, Dumfriesshire, Clydesdale and Tweeddale, East Lothian, Edinburgh East, Edinburgh North and Leith, Edinburgh South, Edinburgh South West, Edinburgh West, Linlithgow and East Falkirk, Livingston, Midlothian.

The following 26 Post Office® branches are proposed for closure under the Edinburgh, The Lothians and South of Scotland Area Plan:

Breich, Rashiehill Terrace, Breich, West Calder
Broomhall, 41 Broomhall Drive, Edinburgh
Calder Crossway, 10 Calder Park, Edinburgh
Carrington , 4 Primrose Gardens, Carrington, Gorebridge
Cramond, 20 Whitehouse Road, Edinburgh
Dalmeny, Main Street, Dalmeny, South Queensferry
Easthouses, 1 Mayfield Road, Easthouses, Dalkeith
Elm Row, 20 Elm Row, Edinburgh
Elphinstone, 3 Main Street, Elphinstone, Tranent
Goldenacre, 20 Montague Terrace, Edinburgh
Gorgie, 556 Gorgie Road, Edinburgh
Grangepans, 14 Grangepans, Bo’ness
Lasswade, 12 High Street, Lasswade
Lincluden, 40 Lincluden Road, Dumfries
Longstone, 7 Kingsknowe Road North, Edinburgh
Magdalene Drive, 46 Magdalene Drive, Edinburgh
Newton, Main Street, Newton, Broxburn
Nicolson Street, 79 Nicolson Street, Edinburgh
Pilrig Toll, 10 Newhaven Road, Edinburgh
Polbeth, 12-13 Limefield Road, Polbeth, West Calder
Poltonhall, 12 Hopefield Park, Bonnyrigg
Rosetta Road, 1 Weymss Place, Peebles
Shandon Place, 57 Slateford Road, Edinburgh
Scheuchan Street, 59 Scheuchan Street, Stranraer
Warrender Park, 73 Warrender Park Road, Edinburgh
West Barns, 2a Edinburgh Road, West Barns, Dunbar

The following 32 Post Office® Branches are proposed for replacement by an outreach solution under the Edinburgh, The Lothians and South of Scotland Area Plan:

Ancrum - Hosted
Bonchester Bridge - Hosted
Bowden - Mobile
Eccles - Mobile
Greenlaw - Mobile
Hutton - Mobile
Morebattle - Hosted
Clovenfords - Mobile
Fountainhall - Mobile
Oxton - Mobile
Heriot - Mobile
Balmaclellan - Mobile
Colvend - Mobile
Corsock - Mobile
Creetown - Partner
Dunscore - Hosted
Kirkcowan - Partner
Lochfoot - Mobile
Moniaive - Partner
Mossdale - Mobile
New Abbey - Mobile
Bentpath - Home
Boreland - Hosted
Collin - Hosted
Ecclefechan - Partner
Eskdalemuir - Hosted
Glencaple - Hosted
Drem - Hosted
Garvald - Hosted
Gifford - Partner
Innerwick - Hosted
Stenton - Hosted


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 294 Post Office® branches which would remain open under these proposals is available upon request.

The six-week public consultation period for the Edinburgh, The Lothians and South of Scotland Area Plan begins on 19 August and all representations should be received by 29 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]

Oxfordshire And Gloucestershire Area Plan - Public Consultation commences on proposed Outreach Service for Podsmead

30/09/2008


Post Office Ltd has today (30 September) launched a six-week consultation for a proposed partner outreach service at Podsmead serving the community for 101 hours each week.

The new proposal is part of Post Office Ltd’s network change programme to modernise and reshape its network of branches. However, this is only a proposal at this stage and Post Office Ltd may decide on an alternative type of outreach service if appropriate following the local public consultation

The proposal follows the decision by Post Office Ltd to close the existing branch at Podsmead and to introduce an outreach service under the Oxfordshire and Gloucestershire area plan, which was concluded earlier this year. The public consultation into the proposal begins today (September 30) and ends on 10 November 2008.

The standard range of products and services would continue to be available through the proposed partner Post Office service. Customers could still collect benefits in cash using our banking services or Post Office® card account.

Mark Partington, Network Development Manager for the Oxfordshire and Gloucestershire area said: "We welcome feedback from the local community during the six week consultation and look forward to receiving comments on the service and hours being suggested."

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

Ends

Issued by Post Office Ltd
Birmingham Mail Centre
St Stephen’s Street
BIRMINGHAM
B6 4AA

In May 2007, following a national public consultation, the UK Government announced a range of proposed measures to modernise and reshape the network of Post Office® branches and put it on a more stable footing for the future.

Post Office Ltd has now commenced a Network Change Programme to implement the measures prescribed by the Government. Under the plan, 2500 branches across the UK will close and 500 outreach models will be introduced.

Each Area Plan proposal supports the achievement of the national accessibility criteria set by the UK Government.

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.

The following branch will close

Post Office® Podsmead branch 19 Scott Avenue, Podsmead, Gloucester, GL2 5BD

[TrueBlueTerrier]

Consultation On Additional Plans For Cambridgeshire, Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire And South Lincolnshire

30/09/2008


Post Office Ltd today (30 September) launched a six-week consultation into the planned closure of three branches in Cambridgeshire, Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire and South Lincolnshire.

The proposal is to close Thriplow Post Office, 2 Middle Street, Thriplow, Royston, Herts, SG8 7RD, Cottered Post Office, The Village Hall, Cottered, Buntingford, Herts, SG9 9QL and Walsworth Post Office, 136 Cambridge Road, Hitchin, Herts, SG4 0JN as part of the future of Post Office Ltd’s network in the area.

Following the six-week public consultation on the area plan announced on 17 September Post Office Ltd has amended its proposals by deciding not to proceed with four closures and one of the replacement Outreach Services in the original Area Plan.

The three proposed closures announced today 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 your views on Post Office Limited’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 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.

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 end date of 10 November 2008.

Ends

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

Notes to Editors

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. 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) 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.

Find out more about Network Change Programme



www.postoffice.co.uk

[TrueBlueTerrier]

West Berkshire And Wiltshire Area Plan - Public Consultation commences on proposed outreach service for Longbridge Deverill
21/10/2008


Post Office Ltd has today (21 October) launched a six-week consultation for a proposed hosted outreach service for the village of Longbridge Deverill.

The decision to close this branch has been made. This further local public consultation is to ensure that the appropriate outreach service is put in place to replace the branch.

Post Office Ltd proposes running a hosted service from the current Post Office site at The BP Service Station/Smile Local in Church Street, Longbridge Deverill. The service would be available from 10am to 3pm on Monday, Wednesday and Friday.

The standard range of products and services would continue to be available through the proposed hosted Post Office service. Customers could still collect benefits in cash using our banking services or Post Office® card account.

The proposal follows the decision by Post Office Ltd to close the Longbridge Deverill branch and introduce an outreach service under the West Berkshire and Wiltshire Area Plan, which was concluded earlier this year. The public consultation into the proposal begins today (October 21) and ends on 1 December 2008.

Tim Nickolls, Network Development Manager for the West Berkshire and Wiltshire area said: "We welcome feedback from the local community during the six week consultation and look forward to receiving comments on the days and hours being suggested."

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

Ends


Issued by Post Office Ltd:
Birmingham Mail Centre
St Stephen’s Street
BIRMINGHAM
B6 4AA

The following branch will close and be replaced by an outreach service.

Longbridge Deverill Post Office, The BP Service Station/Smile Local, Church Street, Longbridge Deverill. Warminster, BA12 7DS

In May 2007, following a national public consultation, the UK Government announced a range of proposed measures to modernise and reshape the network of Post Office® branches and put it on a more stable footing for the future.

Post Office Ltd has now commenced a Network Change Programme to implement the measures prescribed by the Government. Under the plan, 2500 branches across the UK will close and 500 outreach models will be introduced.

Each Area Plan proposal supports the achievement of the national accessibility criteria set by the UK Government.

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.

[TrueBlueTerrier]

Consultation on mobile outreach service in Cuminestown and Rothienorman
04/11/2008


Post Office Ltd today (Tuesday) opened a six-week public consultation on its proposal to replace Cuminestown Post Office® and Rothienorman Post Office® with a Mobile Outreach Service.

Post Office Limited proposes the replacement of the branch at Main Street, Cuminestown, Turriff with a Mobile Post Office, operating for a total of 12 hours over five days. Post Office Limited also proposes replacing the branch at Main Street, Rothienorman, Inverurie, with a Mobile Post Office again operating for a total of 12 hours over five days.

The same range of services will continue to be available from the Mobile Post Office . Customers can still collect benefits in cash using our everyday banking services or Post Office® card account. The Mobile Post Office will also offer additional services such as DVLA car tax, foreign currency and travel insurance.

Earlier this year, following the public consultation on the Area Plan for North East, Tayside and Fife, Post Office Ltd confirmed its intention to replace Cuminestown and Rothienorman branches with a Partner Outreach Service. However, both Partners subsequently withdrew their agreement to provide this service and Post Office Ltd is now proposing a Mobile post office to provide service in these villages.

The six-week public consultation launched today seeks the views on the proposal for the Mobile Post Office. The proposal to close these branches is not being re-consulted on as those decisions have now been made by Post Office Ltd. The purpose of this further local public consultation is to ensure that the appropriate Outreach Services replace the branches and that the proposed days and times meet customers’ needs.

Sally Buchanan, Network Development Manager for Scotland, said: "Naturally we are disappointed that the original proposals for these villages have had to be changed due to circumstances beyond our control. The mobile post office will, though, allow us to continue to provide a full and extra range of services within these rural communities, which I am sure customers will support. It is also important that we have feedback from the local communities about days and times of service."

The proposed details of the Rothienorman Outreach Service are:
Outreach Service Point:
Public Car Park,
Main Street,
Rothienorman,
Aberdeenshire, AB51 8UD

Opening times :
Mon 0900-1130,
Tues 1245-1515,
Wed 0900-1130,
Thurs1245-1515,
Fri 0900-1100

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 into the Mobile Post office but access is available for wheelchair users via an electronic tailgate.

Transport:
There are parking facilities available within the public car park

The proposed details of the Cuminestown Outreach Service are:
Outreach Service Point:
Commercial Hotel Car Park,
2 Auchry Road,
Cuminestown,
Turriff AB53 5WJ

Opening times :
Mon 1230-1500
Tues 0915-1145
Wed 1230-1500
Thurs 0915-1145
Fri 1200-1400

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 into the Mobile Post Office but access is available for wheelchair users via an electronic tailgate.

Transport:
There are parking facilities available within the hotel car park

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 15 December 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 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.


Ends

Issued by
Post Office Ltd:
24hr Press Office
Tallents House
21 South Gyle Crescent
Edinburgh
EH12 9PB

[TrueBlueTerrier]

Consultation starts on proposed closure of Post Office® branch in Edinburgh, The Lothians and South of Scotland
04/11/2008


Post Office Ltd today (4 November) launched a public consultation into the proposed closure of one branch in Edinburgh, The Lothians and South of Scotland.

The proposal is to close Oxgangs, 8 Oxgangs Broadway EH13 9LQ as part of the Post Office Ltd’s network change proposals in Edinburgh, The Lothians and South of Scotland.

Following a six-week public consultation on the area plan (announced on 21 October), two branches, Calder Crossway and Elm Row in Edinburgh, originally proposed for closure, are now remaining open.

The closure proposed today aims to ensure that the planned future network can be supported by the available funding from UK 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 new six-week 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 15 December 2008.

Ends

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

[TrueBlueTerrier]

Consultation on Post Office outreach service for Ardstraw
04/11/2008


Post Office Ltd today (Tuesday, 4 November) began a six-week period of local consultation on the outreach service which will replace Ardstraw Post Office® branch, 10 Carnkenny Road, Ardstraw, OMAGH BT78 4LN.

On 3 June 2008 and following a period of public consultation, Post Office Ltd announced its decision to close the branch and replace it with an outreach service. The purpose of this further period of local public consultation is to ensure that the appropriate outreach service is put in place.

Post Office Ltd’s new proposal is to provide a Hosted outreach service which would be available at 1 Carnkenny Road between the hours of 10am and 1pm on Mondays and Thursdays.

Further details of the proposed outreach service are set out below:

Outreach Service Point
1 Carnkenny Road
Ardstraw
OMAGH
BT78 4LN

Opening times
Monday & Thursday: 10:00am - 13:30pm

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
Level access with an automatic door.

Transport
There is a car park at the front of the premises.

Route
The proposed Hosted service will be located approximately 20 yards from the current Ardstraw branch along level terrain


Post Office Ltd welcomes feedback from the local community on the revised proposal. Consultation begins today (4 November 2008) and all representations should be received by 15 December 2008.

To express your views, please write to Sheila McCann, 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.

Ends

Issued by Post Office Ltd:
6th Floor,
Royal Mail House,
20 Donegall Quay,
BELFAST
BT1 1AA

NOTES TO EDITORS

The proposal to close this branch on a permanent basis and replace it with a form of outreach service is not being re-consulted on, as this decision has already been made.

Post Office Limited announced its decisions on the future of the network in Northern Ireland on 3 June 2008. This followed a period of public consultation that ran from 1 April 2008 to 12 May 2008.