Meir Post Office to close before new branch inside Alphons Convenience Store opens

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Residents fear the elderly will struggle to get to a post office when it is relocated – 210 metres down the road.

Royal Mail has confirmed it is to close the Post Office, in Sandon Road, Meir, and open a new branch inside Alphons Convenience Store, in Uttoxeter Road.

But families living nearby believe customers will find it difficult to park near the new site, while those unsteady on their feet may face problems crossing the road.

Pensioner Marie Hull, aged 75, of Redwood Place, Meir, said: "Parking is going to be horrendous. It is bad enough there at the minute.

"Some old people who live up here have to use the Post Office all the time. But they won't be able to cross the road. It will be too much for them."

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Phil Smith, aged 64, of Sandon Road, Meir, added: "The elderly people on this side of the A50 will have to go across the busy Uttoxeter Road. It is convenient for them here."

Elsie Weston, aged 75, of Bright Street, Meir, questioned why the move was needed.

She said: "When it moves across the road people won't pay for parking. Redwood Place is bad enough and Bright Street is one-way. It will lead to traffic chaos."

Susan Wilshaw, aged 64, of Meir, added: "It is a busy junction and I feel sorry for the elderly who have to cross the road to get to the new Post Office. But at least we still have one in Meir as I do not want to be going to Longton. It would have been better if the new one was more central."

Businesses are also worried the relocation could hit their passing trade.

Michelle Stirzaker, aged 34, who owns The Hair Lab next to the current Post Office in Sandon Road, said: "Customers will have to pay over the road to park. Parking is going to be horrendous there.

"I can't see what the point of moving it is. It is handy for us having the Post Office here if we want change. And there is a cash machine outside, which I assume will go. We will miss out on the passing trade."

The Post Office's relocation follows a six-week consultation.

The service will be provided from a terminal alongside the retail till and will be open seven days a week from 6am to 8.30pm Monday to Saturday and 7am to 7.30pm on Sunday.

Kieron Byatt, aged 42, of Mollison Road, Meir, believes the longer opening hours will be more convenient.

He said: "It is going to open seven days a week which gives people more opportunity to do what they need to do. And it will be open later in the evening. It is more flexible and convenient."

The date of the relocation has yet to be confirmed.

Suzanne Richardson, Post Office regional manager, said: "We are making it easier for customers to get their cash, send and collect their mail and do their banking because we know how important these services are to residents.

"We are confident that this vibrant new-style Post Office at the heart of the community will meet customer needs. This modernisation is part of a major investment programme and will secure services for the future."