Gap in Post Office services unacceptable

– new post box is on its way

Robert Walter MP for North Dorset convened a meeting at Wimborne Town Hall on 21 August to discuss the future of the post office services in the town following a disastrous fire almost seven weeks ago.

Wimborne Minster has been without essential post counter services - and its main post box – since the fire on 4 July.

Bob believes that the delay in installing a temporary service has become unacceptable in a town where local businesses and ordinary people – particularly the elderly and vulnerable – are so dependent on the services that this key post office branch provided.

The meeting was sought with Post Office Limited (POL) to find out what could be done at all levels to speed up the provision of a temporary service. Although, disappointingly, POL felt unable to send a representative to the meeting, a clear commitment was received from Alan Brook (National Post Office Manager) and Kevan Hughes (South West Regional Manager) of Martin McColl Ltd.

Bob Walter said, “I think I can speak for everyone when I say that we were very disappointed by the decision of POL not to be represented. However, I believe today’s talks with Martin McColl were very valuable in confirming their commitment to the future of the post office at the heart of Wimborne. My thanks to Alan and Kevan for travelling some considerable distance to make that commitment in person.”

They expressed their wish to see the rapid installation of a temporary Portacabin unit – which McColl’s have already agreed to fund – and the refurbishment of the original post office and store by July 2010.

Reacting to rumours to the contrary, McColl’s insisted that thorough investigations were undertaken within 48 hours of the fire to find new temporary premises for both the post office and retail services in Wimborne.

Sadly, nothing fitting their three key criteria of adequate size, length of lease and feasible cost was found. They have, therefore, given their full endorsement to the installation of a post office Portacabin. Alan Brook assured those present that McColl’s have supported all efforts to achieve this, recognising that the community’s need for a rapid resumption of post office services takes precedence over the temporary loss of Martin’s retail services.

Following further pressure for face-to-face talks, senior POL officials have now agreed to meet with Bob Walter on Thursday, 27 August.  Bob will deliver the impressive 2,654-signture petition presented to East Dorset District Council last week by prospective parliamentary candidate Nick King and County Councillor Robin Cook, demanding that POL reinstate services in Wimborne without further delay. Bob feels that if this display of public sentiment does not inspire POL to speed up their usual process, nothing will.

On summing up after the meeting, Bob said, “Today’s meeting too saw further confirmation from Council Leader, Cllr Spencer Flower, of East Dorset District Council’s commitment to offering retrospective planning on any temporary site to ensure the minimum of delay and all possible assistance to speed things through.”

“I was also pleased to be able to report progress today, following communication with the Chief Executive’s office at Royal Mail, on the reinstallation of Wimborne’s main post office box. Having been disturbed to hear that it may have been about to languish at the bottom of yet another waiting list, I have gained assurances from Royal Mail that they aim to complete an essential ground survey next week. If all goes to plan, this will allow the digging out and concreting in of a replacement pillar box, just outside of Scrivens Opticians, the week after. This is a very positive step.”

“Everything I’ve heard today leads me to believe that there should now be no room for excuses when I meet with Post Office Ltd this week. Everyone locally – at all levels – has worked immensely hard to smooth the way to getting services back in place as fast as possible. The only blockage now is the bureaucratic processes of POL, something I intend to tackle when I present POL officials with Wimborne’s petition on Thursday."