Business fears effects of post cuts

Nov 23 2007 by David Holmes, Chester Chronicle

Business fears effects of post cuts

A RURAL-BASED businesswoman is fighting to prevent a village post office from closure.

Jane Harrad-Roberts, managing director of Marketing Projects, says if Christleton Post Office is axed it will cause major inconvenience.

Jane, whose Christleton company manages public relations on behalf of other firms, said: “I know of over 30 businesses here and I’m sure there are many more who depend on the post office for services.

“We use it almost daily for bulk mailing and stamps, unusual postal sizes, foreign letters and special delivery. It’s especially useful for DVLA renewal – no long queues! We have papers delivered and often stop in for extra editions.”

Jane said a village such as Christleton, with a population of more than 2,000, and which sustains two hair salons and pubs, ought to be able to support a post office.

She added: “If the post office closes in Christleton, along with many others, it will take the heart out of the communities affected.

“I am concerned for many elderly residents in Christleton who will lose out and be unable to travel the miles to the closest post offices in Waverton and Boughton – both have parking problems.

“I think Post Office Ltd has a duty of care to small rural communities who depend on services provided by post offices in addition to stamps and giros. Nearby Sainsbury’s don’t deliver papers, for example, but they have taken away much of the business small shop- keepers and garages had.”

Jane has started an e-mail survey to find out what residents want. To participate, e-mail: jane@ marketingprojects.co.uk.