PEOPLE in Widnes have been dealt a further blow by the Post Office with the closure of a branch in Ditton being announced this week.
Dave Barrett, Post Office Ltd's head of commercial urban area (Wales and the West), said the decision to close the Ditton post office on February 8 was 'not taken lightly'.
On Monday morning, the sub post master at Albert Road post office said no decision had yet been made over whether his branch is being shut as well.
Residents were invited to comment on proposals for the proposed closures in November last year. It was being proposed as part of a cost-cutting exercise involving the restructuring of the 9,000 post offices nationwide.
The Post Office claims there are too many urban outlets chasing too little business and the believes post office closure 'safeguards access to a post office for all communities'.
The closure of Ditton and possibly the Albert Road post office as well could ensure the viability of the remaining 13 branches in Widnes, the company claims.
But the Ditton move means customers face a three-quarter-mile hike to the Hale Road post office which could have a severe impact on the elderly and infirm.
Mr Barrett said: 'Understandably, and as is often the case, the main concern centred round how this closure would impact on the elderly and people with disabilities, with particular emphasis around their journeys to and from Hale Road branch, where we expect customers to migrate to.
'Hale Road branch is just over three quarters of a mile from Ditton branch and I appreciate the journey by foot may be difficult for some of our customers, due to the steep inclines and declines over the railway bridge.
'However, there are good public transport links between the two branches, as well as nearby parking facilities for customers with access to a car.
'I do appreciate that some customers will be disappointed with my decision to close this branch, especially those who have been loyal customers for many years.
'I also understand that some may be a little anxious about using a different branch and so I will arrange for a customer adviser to be on hand for a number of days to talk to customers and deal with their concerns and queries about Hale Road branch.
'I can advise that the Ditton branch will close on February 8 and I will write again as soon as I have made a decision regarding the future of the Albert Road branch.'
In November, Mr Barrett admitted that urban post offices in Halton had been adversely affected by declining customer numbers, increased running costs and sweeping changes to the way benefits are paid.
