Chesterfield MP Toby Perkins has raised concerns about plans to relocate the town centre post office.
Post Office bosses have drawn up plans to relocate 70 of their 370 Post Offices Crown branches, larger outlets managed directly by Post Office HQ, into the ‘host’ premises of other organisations with the remainder going into partnership with another retailer at a existing Post Office sites.
Chesterfield’s iconic Market Place Crown branch is earmarked as one of the 70 to be moved into the premises of another retailer which is yet to be identified.
News of the proposed relocation was delivered to staff last week and billed as a cost-saving exercise, due to the 370 Crown Branches collectively losing £40 million per year.
Management confirmed that there will be no compulsory redundancies and that customers are to be consulted on the move.
Chesterfield MP Toby Perkins said: “I understand that the Post Office needs to make changes to remain profitable in a changing market, but I am determined to ensure that customers shouldn’t be left with second class provision as a result.
“I’m particularly keen to ensure that waiting times are not exacerbated at the new branch, as businesses and regular customers alike need a quick and efficient service.”
Mr Perkins added: “The plans for the Chesterfield Town Centre outlet are still very sketchy at the moment, but I’m scheduling talks with
Post Office management to ensure that users of this vital service are not left worse off by these proposals.”
Derbyshire Times Facebook users have also been having their say.
James Toft said: “It’s absolutely ridiculous, the amount of people that queue in there, the building is only just big enough at times. Unless another shop is willing to give up a lot of room (for seats, standing room, checkouts etc) I just can’t see it working.”
Laura Overton said: “Who makes these absolutely stupid decisions? If that happens this is going to be yet another shop left empty in Chesterfield.”
Charlotte Deane added: “It will never work, I only visit occasionally when I am in town, but they revamped it not long back, can’t believe they are thinking of shutting it!”
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