Great news for Thorney Residents!!!! Mr Stewart Jackson MP Member of Parliament for Peterborough House Of Commons LONDON SW1A 0AA 22 January 2015 Dear Mr Jackson Thorney Post Office® 5 Abbey Place, Thorney, Peterborough, PE6 0QA Decision - move to new premises & branch modernisation I’m writing to confirm that we will be proceeding with our proposal to move the above Post Office branch to the Rose & Crown, 2 Wisbech Road, Thorney, Peterborough, PE6 0SB, where it will operate as one of our new local style Post Office branches. We received a small number of comments and generic petition letters from customers and local representatives during the local public consultation period, largely supporting the move, and welcoming the retention of Post Office services within the local community. Other feedback expressed concern about access at the new location and the proposed branch being closed on a Monday. This feedback helped me to understand customers’ concerns and to make sure that all such information was taken into account before finalising our plans. As part of the consultation process, Post Office Ltd also meets with the independent statutory consumer watchdog, which in Great Britain is Citizens Advice and Citizens Advice Scotland, and in Northern Ireland, the Consumer Council to review all the consultation responses and to ensure all relevant feedback is taken into account. The review and escalation process that exists between both parties led to further detailed discussions with Citizens Advice, who escalated this case to the highest level as they had concerns that the branch would not offer a Monday service and the potential inconvenience that this could cause customers. By way of background, the move of this branch is part of our modernisation and investment plans for the Post Office network. As part of the programme, we asked our Postmasters whether they wished to stay with the network and, with the wish of the existing Postmaster to leave the network as he is retiring and the possibility of a loss of service in the future, it was important to find a sustainable location that would enable us to continue to provide Post Office services within the local community. A number of factors are taken into account when considering an appointment; including access, the size of the premises and suitability of the operator. The processes we follow are established and robust and the new operator was successfully appointed following the completion of our application process. However, it’s clear that the Post Office plays an important part in the lives of customers and we want to make our services as accessible as possible. I am pleased to confirm that before the new Post Office opens, the new operator will install a permanent ramp at the main entrance providing level access into the premises. This may be subject to planning permission being granted, but the operator fully understands they are responsible for making sure that their premises meet with all relevant legislation. The Post Office will be housed within a coffee shop inside the Rose and Crown. The design of the new branch will be in line with Post Office specifications, making sure there is sufficient space and privacy provided for customers. We will be working closely with the new operator in the internal layout to make sure there is unimpeded access into the shop, that the queuing area is kept free from obstructions and adequate room is provided for customers and a wheelchair to move around with ease. The new local style Post Office will operate from a Post Office serving point located at the coffee shop counter, enabling customers to carry out a wide range of Post Office products and services. Although the change does mean that the branch will no longer open on a Monday, local residents will benefit from longer opening hours overall, as the Post Office will be available at the same time as the coffee shop including Saturday afternoon, Sunday opening and later closing times so they can access our services at different times throughout the week. The Post Office will also be open on Bank Holiday Mondays and the new operator has agreed to review opening times if the coffee shop proves successful. Full details of the new branch are provided at the end of this letter together with a list of the products and services which will be available. I have carefully considered the feedback received during the public consultation period including the support expressed for the move by local representatives alongside our original proposal. I am confident that the new branch is suitably located and will meet customer needs, whilst maintaining a long term viable and sustainable branch for the future. Posters will now be displayed in branch to let customers know about this decision. We’re currently making the final arrangements for the move and further posters will be provided in branch soon to let customers know the actual date the move will take place. You can also find a copy of this letter on our website at postofficeviews.co.uk. When entering the website you will be asked to enter the code for this branch: 19623099 This change to the Post Office network is being carried out in accordance with the Code of Practice for changes to the network, as agreed with the independent statutory consumer watchdog. A full copy of the Code of Practice is available on our website at postoffice.co.uk/transforming-post-office, or by contacting us at the address provided at the end of this letter. Thank you for your considering our proposal. Yours sincerely Will Russell Regional Network Manager
Posted on: Mon, 26 Jan 2015 10:53:00 +0000
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