A proposal is being consulted on to move Framwellgate Moor Post Office into the Nisa at the other end of Front Street. This is from the Post Office nationally and is not from the Council. However as your local councillors we are keen to make sure that the views of residents are listened to. Also the proposals do have some knock on effects which could become council issues.

Where to comment

I have yet to be contacted by anyone with views either way on this issue and would appreciate any comments from residents. You can find out more about this proposal at www.postofficeviews.co.uk by entering the branch code 17331399.

Newton Hall Post Office

My initial thoughts are that with the Newton Hall Post Office consultation not yet finalised, it is possible that we could lose services which are currently available at both these branches and be left with a seriously diminished service for the area.

The Pedestrian Crossing

Also, there is no pedestrian crossing at the Nisa end of Front Street, unlike near the existing post office. I have been asked in the past for a crossing farther up the front street, and cost and space have been an issue. However if the post office moves, then the case becomes even more overwhelming for a solution, which is why I have contacted council officers in relation to this particular issue in advance of public comments.

Service Losses

Some of the services which would be lost by the changes include parcel force worldwide, transcash, on demand travel insurance, premium bonds and payment by cheque. However, given that the Newton Hall consultation failed to full explain the losses of service, can we be sure that what we are being told this time is correct?

Will the capacity of the proposed newly located store be sufficient or, like the proposals in Newton Hall, will we find a huge queue, and will people be forced to go elsewhere including into town, particularly if Newton Hall is downgraded as well.

I have once again contacted senior post office management to ask to discuss yet another change for which we have only a few weeks to offer our concerns or support.

The consultation runs until 6th November, and the current proposed month of change is January/Feb 2015, so not too far off.