CONTROVERSIAL plans to close six of Runcorn's post offices were due to be discussed by councillors yesterday (Wednesday).
The council has already outlined a number of concerns about the proposed shut downs, which could see post offices in Halton Brook, Highland Road, Weston, Weston Point, Halton Village and Brookvale closing their doors for the last time early next year.
Although Weston Point Post Office has been closed for some time, the premises are still licensed and could potentially re-open as a post office at any time.
The Post Office has cited changes to benefits payments - which see recipients get the money paid straight into their bank accounts - as one of the reasons for a decline in customer numbers at the branches. They also argue alternative offices are available to residents nearby.
But the council says a number of concerns have been raised about the proposals both from council-lors and members of the public.
Among the issues is the number of people who do not have bank accounts and, due to their circumstances, find it difficult to get one.
Concerns have also been raised because of the large number of people who are elderly or do not have cars to travel to their second 'nearest' post offices. In the Weston area in particular, there is no direct bus route to either of the alternative post offices in Stenhills or the Grange, which have been suggested by the Royal Mail, and residents would have to travel at least one and a half miles over hilly ground to get to either office.
The council also asserts its belief that there is sufficient business to justify retaining several of the branches.
The proposed closures are also being investigated by Postwatch North, but the final say on whether or not to shut the six offices will be made by Royal Mail.
However, in a letter outlining the case in favour of keeping some or all of the outlets, Jim Yates, principal executive officer Halton Borough Council, urged the Post Office to take into account the council's views before making a decision.
