Following my letter from the Post Office it’s now been announced that the Post Office intends to close Burnt Ash Hill Post Office.
They write:
The main concern expressed by respondents in relation to this branch during the local public consultation related to the potential impact of the proposed closure on vulnerable customers, in particular elderly people who respondents considered might lose independence; the availability of public transport in the area and waiting times at the nearest alternative branches.
Respondents commented that the route to Post Office® Sibthorpe Road branch involves a significant climb and is not mainly level terrain as stated in the consultation materials. Respondents also said the Post Office® Lee Nr Station branch is in a good location with free short-stay car parking, that staff are efficient, friendly and helpful and that the community would lose its central hub if this branch was to close. Post Office Limited received a petition in relation to this branch during local public consultation, opposing the proposed closure. Post Office Limited has considered all responses received during the local public consultation and a review of this proposal has been undertaken.
The nearest alternative branch, Post Office® Lee Green branch, is located just over half a mile away from Post Office® Lee Nr Station branch. The second nearest alternative branch, Post Office® Sibthorpe Road branch, is located approximately three quarters of a mile away. Both of these alternative branches offer a wider range of products and services, as well as having level access into the branch for customers with mobility constraints, including disabled and elderly customers. In addition, Post Office® Lee Green branch offers longer opening hours and is accessible by a bus service between the branches.
Post Office Limited has considered the capacity of the nearest alternative branches to absorb the expected increased customer levels arising from the proposed closure of Post Office® Lee Nr Station branch and is satisfied that good service levels can be maintained.
Taking these and all other relevant factors into consideration, including the needs of more vulnerable customers, Post Office Limited has decided to proceed with the closure of Post Office® Lee Nr Station branch.
The thing I find so frustrating about the response is that despite noting the case we’ve made about what a great facility Burnt Ash Hill is - and how unsuitable their alternative facilities are - the Post Office plan to go ahead with the closure anyway.
I can only think that the person who undertook their ‘review’ and made this decision has never visited Lee. If they had they would know that Sibthorpe Road is not a realistic alternative to Burnt Ash Hill. If they had visited Lee Green at lunchtime (as I frequently did when I worked at Leegate House) they would know how long the queues are there already.
I’ve written to the Post Office and invited them to come to Lee and meet me so I can explain this to them in person and show them that their proposals won’t work.
It’s easy to get angry with the Post Office, but it’s worth remembering that the closure plan has come from the government, and given the chance Lewisham’s three Labour MPs all voted to continue with the closure programme.
