Over the past few weeks, I have been contacted by several local residents who have raised concerns about the Post Office proposal to move the branch in Cavendish Square from its current location to Premier, Unit 7, Whitbourne Avenue, Park, Swindon, SN3 2GD.
I have written to all local residents to inform them of the Post Office proposal and asked them to take part in the consultation so that their views are heard. Residents can take part online survey here: htps://www.postofficeviews.co.uk/national-consultation-team/park-sn3-2gd-20654…
Or by writing to Freepost – Your comments. I am also happy to pass on your comments to the Post Office. You can contact me by emailing robert.buckland.mp@parliament .uk or by ringing my Constituency office on 01793 533393.
There have been concerns that the proposed new premises will be too small and there will be accessibility issues for elderly and disabled people. Many residents have also said that they are concerned that during busy peak times, they will be forced to queue out of the door in all weathers and this will cause an obstruction and safety issue for passers-by. There have also been concerns that services will be cut following the move.
In addition to taking part in the Post Office consultation, many local residents have signed a petition, which is available at the current Post Office in Cavendish Square.
On Friday, 21st June, I met the proprietor of the current Cavendish Square Post Office and also with a senior representative from the national Post Office here at my Wood Street offices to discuss residents’ concerns, as well as raising my own.
The Post Office has told me that as part of the proposal, aisles in the Premier Store will be widened following a shop refit, to ensure that the Post Office is fully accessible to all.
The proposed new branch will be a Local Plus Branch and will be open 7 days a week. The Post Office says that currently, 20% of all of their customers visit branches out of core Post Office hours and the longer opening hours reduce customer wait time.
I was also assured that a decision will not be made by the Post Office until all feedback has been received and the consultation has ended.
I will be meeting the Post Office again on 12th July 2019. The petition will be presented to the Post Office at this time and further discussions will take place during the meeting.
