Mounting pressure to save Bristol’s main post office

The proposed closure of Bristol’s flagship central post office would adversely affect disabled people, business and the wider population, argue campaigners.

There is mounting public pressure against plans to shut the large branch on the top floor of The Galleries and shift services to the nearby WHSmith store – a move it is feared will impact customers who rely on it, and staff, who face an uncertain future.

The Communication Workers Union (CWU), disability campaigners, small business owners and mayor Marvin Rees have all spoken out about the plans and a public rally is set to take place in Castle Park on Saturday to show the strength of opposition.

More than 6,000 people have signed a petition to save post offices in Britain.

The Post Office announced the proposed move as part of nationwide changes to the service that are set to impact a number of branches around the country.

The company says it is a measure necessary to ensure the long-term future of the service. Under the proposals, most services would remain, with the exception of driving licence renewal, licence application services and cash machines. The post office facility would also be available on Sunday.

But campaigners arguing it represents the destruction of a vital part of the community.

Rob Wotherspoon, CWU branch secretary said: “The Galleries Crown Post Office is an essential part of the local economy. It’s a valuable asset in Bristol and is relied upon by local residents and businesses, as well as people who collect their pensions and benefits here.

“The staff in the post office are well-trained and have a wealth of experience between them which could be lost under the company’s plans to close this office and move the roles into WHSmith.

“There are hundreds of people who come to this office every day and we just don’t think the same service could be matched by a few windows in the back of another shop.

“Similarly, discussion of decently paid employees being replaced by people on the minimum wage is off the cards. This is an arrogant and insulting approach that Post Office users will rightly see as a sham.”

A consultation on the proposals runs until December 5. But Wotherspoon has branded this a “sham” that will not adequately allow people to have their say.

There are 22 people employed at The Galleries branch facing an uncertain future if franchising plans go ahead.

Karen (centre), says disabled people could be adversely affected by the move

Karen Passmore, of Bristol Disabled People Against Cuts, spoke out about concerns that counters in the WHSmith store will fail to offer the same level of accessibility as the existing branch.

“Many privately-run post offices lack the accessibility needed by disabled people, especially lacking in loop systems and appropriate adaptations for those in wheelchairs. It seems that disabled people are an afterthought in this post office closure.”

The Post Office has stated that access into the store from the shopping centre is level and low-level serving counters, a writing desk and hearing loops will be available.

But Passmore says she is yet to see any actual plans of the proposed layout.

The mayor added his support to the campaign opposing the closure, saying it would leave Bristol without a main post office, adversely affecting a growing population of residents and business.

Roger Gale, Post Office’s network and sales director, said the company believes the model of operating post office branches on a franchise basis with retail partners is the best approach to keeping the services in the heart of communities.

He added: “We believe our proposal is the most effective way to secure the long term viability of Post Office services for years to come.”

There are 22 people employed at The Galleries Post Office, facing an uncertain future if franchising plans go ahead.

One counter clerk, who asked to remain anonymous, said: “Having worked at the post office for many years, the news that I was to be made redundant and replaced with a worker on minimum wage came as a great shock.”

Small business owner Natalie Wild uses The Galleries Post Office on a daily basis and says it is vitally important for her business.

“The friendly and knowledgeable staff are a great asset and I fear the loss of these staff and closure of the office will mean a far worse service to the public,” she said.

Campaigners will be in Castle Park on Saturday, December 1 from 12pm-2pm. They will be collecting signatures as part of a public rally against the closure of the post office.

The Post Office can be contacted with views and comments online via: www.postofficeviews.co.uk, by email: comments@postoffice.co.uk or by post: FREEPOST Your Comments.

Read more: Return to sender: going back to the Post Office